San Francisco Sales Tax Guide 2025 (California)
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This 2025 guide to San Francisco sales tax breaks down important sales tax rates, exemptions, and filing deadlines for California businesses selling in San Francisco or out-of-state businesses selling to customers in San Francisco.
For more general info on California sales tax, take a look at our 2025 California Sales Tax Guide.
San Francisco Sales Tax Rate (California)
In 2025, San Francisco, California, imposes a total sales tax rate of 8.625%, comprising state, county, and special district taxes, with tax rates subject to change based on regulatory updates. However, certain areas within San Francisco may have additional special taxing districts, leading to variations in the total sales tax rate.
| Tax Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| California State Tax | 6.00% |
| San Francisco County Tax | 0.25% |
| Special District Tax | 2.375% |
| Total Sales Tax Rate | 8.625% |
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, and to ensure compliance, 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 Francisco's official website.
Note on Special District Taxes: Generally, special tax districts in San Francisco do not impose additional sales taxes on goods and services. The standard sales tax rate applies uniformly across the city.
San Francisco CA Sales Tax Calculator
A retailer in San Francisco, California, sells an item priced at $500. The total sales tax rate is 8.625%, broken down into state, county, and special district taxes. A customer purchasing a $500 item in San Francisco, California, would pay $43.13 in sales tax, bringing the final total price to $543.13.
| Tax Type | Rate | Calculation | Tax Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State Tax | 6.00% | $500 × 6.00% | $30.00 |
| San Francisco County Tax | 0.25% | $500 × 0.25% | $1.25 |
| Special District Tax | 2.375% | $500 × 2.375% | $11.88 |
| Total Combined Tax | 8.625% | $30.00 + $1.25 + $11.88 | $43.13 |
| Final Total Price | $500 + $43.13 | $543.13 |
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.
FAQ
What is the City of San Francisco sales tax?
As of February 2025, the sales tax rate in San Francisco, California, is 8.625%, including local taxes.
What is the sales tax in San Francisco County?
San Francisco County shares the same sales tax rate as the city, which is 8.625% as of February 2025.
Is there retail tax in San Francisco on clothes?
Yes, clothing is subject to the full 8.625% sales tax rate in San Francisco, as California does not exempt clothing from sales tax.
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, and businesses must ensure compliance with the state's unique sales tax rules and registration process. Businesses must comply 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 revenue and volume. Monthly and quarterly returns are due by the last day of the following month.
San Francisco Sales Tax Filing Steps
Who Needs to Collect Sales Tax in San Francisco?
Sales tax collection in San Francisco is required for businesses that meet the following criteria:
1. Physical Presence: Businesses with a store, office, warehouse, or employee in San Francisco.
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 Francisco?
In San Francisco, 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 Francisco
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 Francisco 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 Francisco?
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.
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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 |
|---|---|
| South San Francisco | 9.88% |
| Sunnyvale | 9.12% |
| Sacramento | 8.75% |
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2261 Market St,
Suite 5931
San Francisco, CA 94114
2261 Market St,
Suite 5931
San Francisco, CA 94114
