State Rate (7%)
Combined State & Local Max (9.75%)
Combined State & Local (9.25%)
Combined State & Local (8.75%)
Combined State & Local (7.25%)
Combined State & Local (6.75%)
Combined State & Local (9.5%)
Your Total Sales Tax is:
Understanding Tennessee Sales Tax
Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by governments on the sale of goods and services. In Tennessee, sales tax is a crucial source of revenue for state and local governments, funding essential public services like education, infrastructure, and public safety. This calculator helps you accurately determine the sales tax you'll pay on a purchase within Tennessee.
How Tennessee Sales Tax Works
Tennessee has a state sales tax rate, which is applied to most tangible personal property and certain services. In addition to the state rate, counties and municipalities can impose their own local sales taxes. This means the total combined sales tax rate can vary significantly depending on the specific location of the purchase within the state.
Sales Tax Rates in Tennessee
The general state sales tax rate in Tennessee is 7%. However, the combined state and local tax rate can be higher. This calculator includes common combined rates:
7%: The base state sales tax rate.
6.75% to 9.75%: These higher rates represent the combined state and local sales taxes, varying by county and city. The 9.75% is the maximum combined rate allowed in some specific jurisdictions.
How the Calculator Works
The calculation is straightforward:
Enter the Purchase Amount: Input the total price of the goods or services before tax.
Select the Tax Rate: Choose the appropriate combined state and local sales tax rate from the dropdown menu based on the location of your purchase. If you know the specific rate for your county/city, select the closest option or use the 7% state rate if only considering that.
Calculate: The calculator multiplies your purchase amount by the selected tax rate (expressed as a decimal) to determine the total sales tax amount.
For example, if you purchase an item for $100.00 and the combined sales tax rate is 9.75%:
Sales Tax Amount = $100.00 × (9.75 / 100) = $9.75
Important Considerations
Taxable vs. Non-Taxable Items: Not all goods and services are subject to sales tax in Tennessee. Groceries, prescription drugs, and certain essential services are often exempt. Always verify the taxability of specific items.
Local Variations: Sales tax rates can differ greatly between cities and counties. It's essential to know the correct rate for the physical location where the transaction occurs.
Use Tax: If you purchase items online or from out-of-state retailers who do not collect Tennessee sales tax, you may be responsible for remitting a "use tax" directly to the state.
Exemptions: Tennessee offers various exemptions for certain organizations (e.g., non-profits, government agencies) and specific types of purchases.
This calculator provides an estimate for general purchases. For specific tax advice or complex situations, consult a tax professional or the official Tennessee Department of Revenue resources.
function calculateSalesTax() {
var purchaseAmountInput = document.getElementById("purchaseAmount");
var taxRateInput = document.getElementById("taxRate");
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
var resultSpan = resultDiv.querySelector("span");
var purchaseAmount = parseFloat(purchaseAmountInput.value);
var taxRate = parseFloat(taxRateInput.value);
if (isNaN(purchaseAmount) || purchaseAmount < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid purchase amount.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(taxRate) || taxRate < 0) {
alert("Please select a valid tax rate.");
return;
}
var salesTaxAmount = purchaseAmount * (taxRate / 100);
// Format currency to two decimal places
var formattedSalesTax = salesTaxAmount.toFixed(2);
resultSpan.textContent = "$" + formattedSalesTax;
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
}