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Virginia Sales Tax Calculator

Virginia has a base state sales tax rate of 4.3%, but the baseline rate is 5.3% due to a mandatory 1% local option tax. Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Central Virginia levy an additional 0.7% regional transportation tax, making the combined rate 6.0% in those high-population corridors.

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Rates updated for May 2026

This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation. Rates last verified May 2026.

Verify rates on Virginia Department of Taxation

How it's calculated

Price × 0.06 = sales tax owed (Northern Virginia example)
1

Start with the purchase price: $20,000.00

2

Multiply by the combined tax rate to get the tax amount: $1,200.00

3

Add tax to the purchase price for the total amount due: $21,200.00

Virginia sales tax rates by county

LocationCombined rate
Fairfax County (Northern VA)6%
Arlington County6%
Loudoun County6%
Prince William County6%
Virginia Beach (Hampton Roads)6%
Richmond City6%
Henrico County6%
Chesterfield County6%

Common examples in Virginia

Based on county rates shown above. Select your county in the calculator for a precise result.

Used car purchase (Virginia DMV, 4.15%)

$12,000.00 purchase

$498.00

tax owed

New car purchase (Virginia DMV, 4.15%)

$28,000.00 purchase

$1,162.00

tax owed

Electronics (laptop) (Fairfax County, 6.00%)

$1,000.00 purchase

$60.00

tax owed

Home appliance (Fairfax County, 6.00%)

$600.00 purchase

$36.00

tax owed

Virginia tax-free weekends

Shop during these periods and pay no sales tax on qualifying items.

Sales Tax Holiday — Three Day Weekend

First Friday–Sunday of August (3 days)

Clothing and footwear $100 or less per item, school supplies $20 or less per item, hurricane and emergency preparedness items up to $60 per item, Energy Star products up to $2,500

Frequently asked questions

What is the sales tax rate in Virginia?
Virginia's combined sales tax rate is 5.3% in most of the state — a 4.3% state rate plus a 1% mandatory local rate. High-population regional transit zones (Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Central Virginia) add an extra 0.7% transportation tax, bringing their total rate to 6.0%.
What is the sales tax rate in Northern Virginia?
Northern Virginia counties including Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, and Prince William have a combined sales tax rate of 6.0%. This includes the 4.3% state rate, 1.0% local rate, and a 0.7% regional transportation authority surcharge. Local tourism zones like Williamsburg can reach up to 7.0%.
Does Virginia have a sales tax holiday in 2026?
Yes. Virginia holds an annual three-day sales tax holiday beginning on the first Friday of August. Exempt items include clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item, school supplies at $20 or less per item, hurricane preparedness items up to $60, and eligible Energy Star products up to $2,500.
What is exempt from sales tax in Virginia?
Virginia completely exempts human prescription drugs, insulin, and prosthetic devices from retail sales tax. Basic raw grocery food items and select personal hygiene products are not subject to standard sales tax rates and instead qualify for a reduced statewide flat rate.
Do you pay sales tax on a used car in Virginia?
Yes. Motor vehicles are exempt from retail sales tax and are instead subject to a 4.15% Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax (SUT) collected by the DMV. This tax applies to dealer sales and private party title transfers alike, calculated off the vehicle's total sale price.
Is there sales tax on groceries in Virginia?
Unprepared grocery items for home consumption are taxed at a reduced flat rate of 1.0% across all Virginia counties. This reduced rate does not apply to prepared hot restaurant food, alcohol, or dietary supplements, which remain subject to the full standard sales tax rate.

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