Alabama Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Calculate sales tax in Alabama. Alabama has a 4% state sales tax rate; local taxes bring the average combined rate to 9.46%. Based on current AL rates.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated October 19, 2026 · Methodology

$
%
Groceries (food for home)
Clothing

Total Tax

$9.46

Total with Tax

$109.46

Combined Rate

9.460%

Tax Breakdown

State Tax (4.00%)$4.00
Local Tax (5.46%)$5.46
Total Sales Tax$9.46
Total with Tax$109.46

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

Alabama Sales Tax Guide

Alabama's state sales tax rate is 4%, one of the lower state-level rates in the country, but that figure rarely tells the whole story at the register. Counties and cities add their own local sales taxes on top, so the combined rate you actually pay in a given town is often well above 4%. The state portion goes to the Alabama Department of Revenue, while the local add-ons fund county and municipal budgets, which is why the total rate shifts as you cross city and county lines.

Most tangible goods are taxable, and Alabama historically taxed groceries at the full rate, an unusual practice the state has been working to reduce. Prescription drugs are exempt, and certain other categories carry reduced or no state tax. When you buy from an out-of-state seller that doesn't collect Alabama tax, a use tax applies at the same rate, meant to keep online and catalog purchases on equal footing with in-state stores. The use tax is self-reported and is a common gap consumers overlook.

Alabama Sales Tax Details (2026)

State Sales Tax Rate 4%
Local Sales Taxes Yes, 5.46% on average
Average Combined Rate 9.46% (Tax Foundation, midyear 2026)
State Income Tax progressive (up to 5%)
Avg. Property Tax Rate 0.37%

Official Sources:

Alabama Sales Tax FAQ

What is the total sales tax I'll pay in Alabama?
The state rate is 4%, but local county and city taxes are added on top, so the combined rate at checkout is typically higher and varies by location. Two stores a few miles apart can charge different totals if they sit in different cities or counties. The Alabama Department of Revenue publishes current local rates by jurisdiction.
Are groceries taxed in Alabama?
Alabama is one of the few states that taxes groceries, though it has moved to lower the state portion on food in recent years. Local sales taxes may still apply to grocery purchases depending on the city and county. Prescription drugs, by contrast, are exempt from Alabama sales tax.
What is Alabama use tax and when do I owe it?
Use tax applies to taxable goods you buy from out-of-state sellers that don't collect Alabama sales tax, such as some online or catalog purchases. It's charged at the same rate the sale would have carried in Alabama, and the buyer is responsible for reporting and paying it. The rule exists so out-of-state purchases don't escape tax that an in-state purchase would owe.
Why does my receipt show a higher rate than 4%?
The 4% is only the state's share. Alabama counties and municipalities levy additional local sales taxes that combine with the state rate, pushing the total you pay above 4% in most places. The exact combined rate depends on where the sale takes place, since each jurisdiction sets its own local percentage.

Other Alabama Calculators