Iowa Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Calculate sales tax in Iowa. Iowa has a 6% state sales tax rate; local taxes bring the average combined rate to 6.94%. Based on current IA rates.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated October 19, 2026 · Methodology

$
%
Groceries (food for home)
Clothing

Total Tax

$6.94

Total with Tax

$106.94

Combined Rate

6.940%

Tax Breakdown

State Tax (6.00%)$6.00
Local Tax (0.94%)$0.94
Total Sales Tax$6.94
Total with Tax$106.94

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.

Iowa Sales Tax Guide

Iowa's statewide sales tax is 6%, and it applies to most retail sales of tangible goods plus a range of taxable services. On top of the state rate, cities and counties can levy a local option sales tax, so the total you pay at the register is often higher than 6% depending on the jurisdiction. The Iowa Department of Revenue administers the tax and publishes which localities have adopted the local option.

Not everything is taxed. Groceries for home consumption and prescription drugs are common exemptions, which keeps essential spending out of the 6% base, while prepared restaurant food and most general merchandise stay taxable. When you buy from an out-of-state seller that doesn't charge Iowa tax, the state's use tax fills the gap at the same 6% rate, so online and mail-order purchases for use in Iowa are not automatically tax-free.

Iowa Sales Tax Details (2026)

State Sales Tax Rate 6%
Local Sales Taxes Yes, 0.94% on average
Average Combined Rate 6.94% (Tax Foundation, midyear 2026)
Local Tax Note Most Iowa cities and counties add a 1% local option sales tax, for a combined 7% at the register. Separately, school districts may levy an income surtax of 1% to 20% of the state income tax owed.
State Income Tax 3.8% (flat)
Avg. Property Tax Rate 1.25%

Official Sources:

Iowa Sales Tax FAQ

What is the total sales tax I'll actually pay in Iowa?
The base state rate is 6%, but most Iowa jurisdictions add a local option sales tax on top, so the combined rate at checkout is frequently higher than 6%. The exact total depends on the city or county where the sale takes place. Retailers collect the combined rate and remit it to the Iowa Department of Revenue.
Are groceries and medicine taxed in Iowa?
Groceries intended for home preparation are generally exempt from Iowa sales tax, as are prescription drugs, so a routine supermarket or pharmacy trip largely avoids the 6%. Prepared foods, restaurant meals, candy, and many ready-to-eat items are treated differently and can be taxable. Categories at the margin, like dietary supplements, follow specific state rules rather than a simple grocery label.
Do I owe Iowa use tax on online purchases?
Yes, if you buy goods for use in Iowa and the seller doesn't collect Iowa tax, you generally owe use tax at the same 6% state rate. Large marketplaces typically collect tax automatically now, but purchases from smaller out-of-state sellers may not include it. The use tax exists so out-of-state buying doesn't undercut in-state retailers.
Is there sales tax on services in Iowa?
Iowa taxes a defined list of services in addition to physical goods, so some services you pay for will include the 6% rate while others won't. The taxability turns on whether the specific service appears in Iowa's enumerated list. The Iowa Department of Revenue maintains guidance on which services fall inside the tax base.

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