Calculating sales tax in Los Angeles, California, can be complex due to varying state, county, and district taxes.
This calculator helps you estimate the sales tax on your purchases within the city of Los Angeles. The standard
state sales tax rate is 7.25%. However, Los Angeles County and specific city districts add additional taxes,
leading to a higher effective rate for most taxable goods and services.
As of the most recent updates, the statewide base rate is 7.25%. Los Angeles County adds 1.25% (bringing the
total to 8.50%). Further district taxes can apply, pushing the total rate significantly higher in certain areas
within Los Angeles. For transactions within the city of Los Angeles, the combined sales tax rate is typically
9.50% (7.25% state + 1.25% county + 1.00% specific Los Angeles city/district taxes). This calculator
uses the 9.50% rate by default for taxable purchases.
How the Calculation Works:
The sales tax is calculated on the taxable portion of your purchase.
Taxable Amount: This is your total purchase amount minus any exempt items.
Sales Tax Rate: The combined rate applicable in Los Angeles (defaulting to 9.50% for this calculator).
For example, if you purchase an item for $100.00 and there are no exemptions, the sales tax would be:
$100.00 * 0.0950 = $9.50. The total cost would be $109.50.
If you purchase an item for $100.00 and $20.00 of that purchase is exempt (e.g., qualifying food items), the taxable amount is $80.00.
The sales tax would be: $80.00 * 0.0950 = $7.60. The total cost would be $80.00 + $7.60 = $87.60.
Important Considerations:
Taxability Varies: Not all goods and services are subject to sales tax. Essential items like most groceries and prescription drugs are typically exempt. Services are often not taxed unless specifically enumerated by the state.
District Variations: While this calculator uses the common 9.50% rate for Los Angeles city, specific areas might have slightly different district taxes. Always verify with local authorities for the most precise rates if needed.
Rate Changes: Sales tax rates can change. This calculator uses the most commonly cited rate for Los Angeles. For official and up-to-date information, consult the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).
Use this calculator for estimation purposes only.
function calculateSalesTax() {
var purchaseAmountInput = document.getElementById("purchaseAmount");
var exemptAmountInput = document.getElementById("exemptAmount");
var resultDisplay = document.getElementById("result").getElementsByTagName("span")[0];
var purchaseAmount = parseFloat(purchaseAmountInput.value);
var exemptAmount = parseFloat(exemptAmountInput.value);
// Validate inputs
if (isNaN(purchaseAmount) || purchaseAmount < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid purchase amount.");
purchaseAmountInput.focus();
resultDisplay.textContent = "$0.00";
return;
}
if (isNaN(exemptAmount) || exemptAmount purchaseAmount) {
alert("Exempt amount cannot be greater than the purchase amount.");
exemptAmountInput.focus();
resultDisplay.textContent = "$0.00";
return;
}
var taxableAmount = purchaseAmount – exemptAmount;
var salesTaxRate = 0.0950; // 9.50% for Los Angeles City
var salesTaxDue = taxableAmount * salesTaxRate;
// Format the result to two decimal places
resultDisplay.textContent = "$" + salesTaxDue.toFixed(2);
}