Sales tax glossary
What is a combined sales tax rate?
A combined sales tax rate is the total rate charged at a specific location: the state rate plus any county, city and special district rates. It's the rate a seller actually collects from the buyer, and it can differ between neighboring addresses in the same state.
Example
At a hypothetical address with a 6% state rate, a 1% county rate and a 0.5% transit district rate, the combined rate is 7.5%.
Why it matters for sellers
Charging only the state rate, or the rate for the wrong jurisdiction, is a common error. Local rates change throughout the year across the country, so the rates you charge need regular updates.
Related terms
This definition is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time.
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