San Diego Sales Tax Guide 2025 (California)
This 2025 guide to San Diego sales tax breaks down important sales tax rates, exemptions, and filing deadlines for California businesses selling in San Diego or out-of-state businesses selling to customers in San Diego.
There are no Streamlined Sales Tax rules in San Diego as the State of California does not participate in the SSUTA.
For more general info on California sales tax, take a look at our 2025 California Sales Tax Guide.
San Diego Sales Tax Rate (California)
In 2025, San Diego, California, imposes a total sales tax rate of 7.75%, comprising state, county, and special district taxes. However, certain areas within San Diego may have additional special taxing districts, leading to variations in the total sales tax rate, with some locations reaching up to 8.75% due to special district taxes.
| Tax Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| California State Tax | 6.00% |
| San Diego County Tax | 0.25% |
| Special District Tax | 1.50% |
| Total Sales Tax Rate | 7.75% |
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consider using Kintsugi's sales tax automation platform and integrations or consult the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration or the City of San Diego's official website.
To learn more about California sales tax on SaaS and digital products, take a look at Kintsugi's easy guide: California Sales Tax on Digital Products: 2025 Key Rules.
San Diego CA Sales Tax Calculator
A retailer in San Diego, California, sells an item priced at $500. The total sales tax rate is 7.75%, broken down into state, county, and special district taxes. A customer purchasing a $500 item in San Diego City, California, would pay $38.75 in sales tax, bringing the final total price to $538.75.
| Tax Type | Rate | Calculation | Tax Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State Tax | 6.00% | $500 × 6.00% | $30.00 |
| San Diego County Tax | 0.25% | $500 × 0.25% | $1.25 |
| Special District Tax | 1.50% | $500 × 1.50% | $7.50 |
| Total Combined Tax | 7.75% | $30.00 + $1.25 + $7.50 | $38.75 |
| Final Total Price | $500 + $38.75 | $538.75 |
FAQ
What is the sales tax for the City of San Diego?
As of February 2025, the sales tax rate in the City of San Diego, California, is 7.75%.
What is the San Diego retail tax?
The retail sales tax rate in San Diego, California, is 7.75% as of February 2025.
How do you get a sales tax permit in California?
To get a sales tax permit in California, apply online through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). You’ll need business details, an EIN or SSN, and may need to provide a security deposit.
When do I need to complete a sales tax registration in California?
You must complete a sales tax registration in California before making taxable sales, meeting economic nexus ($500,000 in sales), or opening a physical location.
What is the sales tax nexus threshold in California?
In California, the economic nexus threshold is $500,000 in total annual sales of tangible personal property into the state. There is no transaction threshold requirement.
Is California part of the Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) program?
No, California is not part of the Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) program. Businesses must ensure compliance with the state's unique sales tax rules and registration process.
What is considered "tangible personal property” in California?
In California, tangible personal property includes physical items that can be seen, weighed, measured, or touched, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and appliances. Most digital goods and services are not taxable.
When do I need to file sales tax returns in California?
In California, sales tax returns are due monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on your sales volume, any increase in revenue, or recent tax changes. Monthly and quarterly returns are due by the last day of the following month.
San Diego Sales Tax Filing Steps
Who Needs to Collect Sales Tax in San Diego?
Sales tax collection in San Diego is required for businesses that meet the following criteria:
1. Physical Presence: Businesses with a store, office, warehouse, or employee in San Diego.
2. Economic Nexus: Out-of-state businesses exceeding $500,000 in California.
Not sure if your business meets these criteria? Kintsugi’s Nexus Analysis Tool can help you determine your sales tax obligations.
What Is Taxable in San Diego?
In San Diego, California, sales tax applies to:
1. Tangible personal property (e.g., electronics, clothing, furniture).
2. Certain services.
There are also exemptions for items like Grocery Food, Machinery, Raw Materials, Utilities & Fuel, Medical Devices, General Occasional Sales, General Optional Maintenance Contracts. Ensure you check with your state’s tax authority or consult Kintsugi for clarity.
How to File Sales Tax in San Diego
Here’s a step-by-step guide for filing your sales tax returns:
1. Register Your Business: Get a sales tax permit through the https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/sutprograms.htm.
2. Collect Sales Tax: Accurately calculate sales tax on taxable transactions.
3. File and Pay: Submit sales tax returns through https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/sutprograms.htm by the [state-specific deadline]—monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on your sales volume.
Kintsugi’s Automated Filing Service streamlines the process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Common Challenges in Sales Tax Compliance
Businesses in San Diego often face these issues:
1. Tracking tax rate changes for city, county, and special districts.
2. Managing exemptions and resale certificates.
3. Reconciling returns for accurate filing.
Kintsugi’s AI-Driven Compliance Solution takes the guesswork out of sales tax, handling rate calculations, exemption management, and filing across all jurisdictions.
Why Choose Kintsugi for Sales Tax Compliance?
Kintsugi is more than a software solution—we’re your trusted partner in sales tax compliance. Here’s how we help:
1. Real-Time Rate Calculation across billing, payments, and e-commerce platforms.
2. Nexus Tracking to identify where you need to register and collect tax.
3. Automated Filing to save time and reduce errors.
4. Audit Support to give you peace of mind.
A direct-to-consumer brand, recovered over $200K in overpaid sales tax within their first month of switching to Kintsugi. Your business could be next.
Ready to Simplify Sales Tax Compliance in San Diego?
With Kintsugi, managing sales tax is effortless. Whether you're just starting out or scaling across multiple states, we have the tools to help you stay compliant and grow with confidence.
Ready to automate your sales tax?
Find Sales Tax Information for Other Cities in California
Looking for sales tax rates and compliance details for other cities in California? Check out our comprehensive table of sales tax information for cities across the state in the table below
| City | Sales tax rate |
|---|---|
| Vista | 8.25% |
| Valley Center | 7.75% |
| Warner Springs | 7.75% |
| Fallbrook | 7.75% |
| Rancho Santa Fe | 7.75% |
| La Jolla | 7.75% |
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@2025 KintsugiAI, Inc. All rights reserved.
