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Wisconsin Sales Tax Calculator

Wisconsin has a 5.0% state sales tax rate, with most counties adding a 0.5% county tax to bring the standard rate to 5.5%. Milwaukee County imposes a 0.9% county tax, and the City of Milwaukee levies an additional 2.0% city tax, creating the state's highest combined rate of 7.9%.

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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 Wisconsin Department of Revenue

How it's calculated

Price × 0.055 = sales tax owed (most WI counties example)
1

Start with the purchase price: $20,000.00

2

Multiply by the combined tax rate to get the tax amount: $1,100.00

3

Add tax to the purchase price for the total amount due: $21,100.00

Wisconsin sales tax rates by county

LocationCombined rate
Milwaukee County5.9%
Dane County (Madison)5.5%
Waukesha County5%
Brown County (Green Bay)5.5%
Racine County5.5%
Outagamie County (Appleton)5.5%
Winnebago County (Oshkosh)5%
Marathon County (Wausau)5.5%

Common examples in Wisconsin

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

Used car purchase (statewide baseline)

$12,000.00 purchase

$660.00

tax owed

New car purchase (statewide baseline)

$28,000.00 purchase

$1,540.00

tax owed

Electronics (laptop)

$1,000.00 purchase

$55.00

tax owed

Milwaukee purchase (laptop)

$1,000.00 purchase

$59.00

tax owed

Frequently asked questions

What is the sales tax rate in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin's state sales tax rate is 5%. Most counties add a 0.5% county tax, bringing the standard combined rate to 5.5% in the majority of the state. Milwaukee County adds an additional 0.9% transit tax, making its combined rate 5.9% — the highest in Wisconsin.
What is the sales tax rate in Milwaukee?
The combined sales tax rate within the City of Milwaukee is 7.9%. This total includes the 5.0% Wisconsin state sales tax, a 0.9% Milwaukee County sales tax, and a 2.0% City of Milwaukee municipal sales tax. This creates the highest-taxed jurisdiction in Wisconsin.
What is exempt from sales tax in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin exempts most unprepared groceries and prescription drugs. Unlike many Midwestern neighbors, Wisconsin does tax most clothing — there is no general clothing exemption. Farm equipment, certain manufacturing machinery, and medical devices are also exempt.
Is clothing taxable in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin taxes most clothing at the standard combined sales tax rate. Unlike neighboring Minnesota, which has a broad clothing exemption, Wisconsin provides no general clothing exemption. This is a meaningful distinction for cross-border shoppers in the Twin Cities / Hudson area.
Do you pay sales tax on a used car in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin charges sales tax on used vehicle purchases at the combined county rate for where the buyer resides. For most Wisconsin counties that is 5.5%. Milwaukee County residents pay 5.9%. The tax is collected at the DMV at the time of title transfer.
Does Wisconsin have a sales tax holiday?
No. Wisconsin does not have a sales tax holiday or tax-free weekend. All standard taxable purchases including clothing are subject to the full combined rate year-round.

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