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Virginia sales tax Calculator

Virginia has a base state sales tax rate of 4.3%, but the effective rate most shoppers pay is higher — a mandatory 1% local option tax applies statewide, and Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads add an additional 0.7% regional transportation tax, making those areas some of the highest-rate jurisdictions in the state.

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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 May 2026

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 City5.3%
Henrico County5.3%
Chesterfield County5.3%

Common examples in Virginia

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

Used car purchase

$12,000.00 purchase

$720.00

tax owed

New car purchase

$28,000.00 purchase

$1,680.00

tax owed

Electronics (laptop)

$1,000.00 purchase

$60.00

tax owed

Home appliance

$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. Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William counties) and Hampton Roads add an additional 0.7% regional transportation tax, bringing those areas to 6%.
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% — the 4.3% state rate, 1% local rate, and a 0.7% Northern Virginia Transportation Authority surcharge. This is the highest sales tax rate in Virginia.
Does Virginia have a sales tax holiday in 2026?
Yes. Virginia holds an annual three-day sales tax holiday on the first Friday through Sunday 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 Energy Star products up to $2,500.
What is exempt from sales tax in Virginia?
Virginia exempts most groceries from the state sales tax — food for home consumption is taxed at a reduced rate of 1% (state) plus 1% local instead of the standard 5.3%. Prescription drugs and most medical equipment are fully exempt. Clothing, electronics, and most goods are taxable at the full rate.
Do you pay sales tax on a used car in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia charges a 4.15% motor vehicle sales and use tax on used vehicle purchases. This is separate from the standard retail sales tax. For dealer sales, it is typically collected at the time of purchase. For private party sales, it is paid at the DMV at the time of title transfer.
Is there sales tax on groceries in Virginia?
Groceries in Virginia are taxed at a reduced rate of 2.5% (1% state food tax plus 1% local, with some regional additions) rather than the standard 5.3%–6% rate. This reduced grocery rate applies to food for home consumption purchased at grocery stores.

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