Virginia Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Calculate sales tax in Virginia. Virginia has a 4.3% state sales tax rate; local taxes bring the average combined rate to 5.77%. Based on current VA rates.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated October 19, 2026 · Methodology

$
%
Groceries (food for home)
Clothing

Total Tax

$5.77

Total with Tax

$105.77

Combined Rate

5.770%

Tax Breakdown

State Tax (4.30%)$4.30
Local Tax (1.47%)$1.47
Total Sales Tax$5.77
Total with Tax$105.77

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.

Virginia Sales Tax Guide

Virginia's statewide sales and use tax starts at a 4.3% state rate, but that is rarely the number on a receipt. Every locality adds at least a 1% local option tax, and several regions layer on additional add-ons, so the combined rate most shoppers actually pay lands between 5.3% and 7% depending on the city or county. The Department of Taxation collects the state portion and distributes the local shares, which is why the total varies as you cross jurisdiction lines within the Commonwealth.

Not everything is taxed at the general rate. Groceries and certain essential personal hygiene products are taxed at a reduced rate rather than the full combined rate, and prescription drugs are exempt outright. The flip side of the sales tax is the use tax: when you buy a taxable item from an out-of-state seller that didn't charge Virginia tax, you owe the equivalent use tax directly to the state. That rule covers many online and catalog purchases, and Virginia provides a line on the individual income tax return to report and pay consumer use tax that wasn't collected at checkout.

Virginia Sales Tax Details (2026)

State Sales Tax Rate 4.3%
Local Sales Taxes Yes, 1.47% on average
Average Combined Rate 5.77% (Tax Foundation, midyear 2026)
Local Tax Note Local sales taxes add at least 1% statewide (plus regional add-ons), for combined rates of 5.3-7%
State Income Tax progressive (up to 5.75%)
Avg. Property Tax Rate 0.75%

Official Sources:

Virginia Sales Tax FAQ

What is the sales tax rate in Virginia?
The state rate is 4.3%, but localities add at least a 1% local option tax, and some regions tack on further add-ons. As a result, the combined rate you pay at the register typically falls between 5.3% and 7%, depending on the city or county. The exact total is set by the locality where the sale is made, or where a delivered item is received, not where you live (Virginia Tax).
Are groceries and medicine taxed in Virginia?
Groceries and certain essential personal hygiene items are taxed at a reduced rate rather than the full general rate, which lowers the cost of a typical food basket. Prescription drugs are exempt from sales tax entirely. The reduced and exempt categories are defined by the Department of Taxation, so prepared or restaurant food does not qualify and is taxed at the standard combined rate.
What is Virginia use tax, and when do I owe it?
Use tax is the counterpart to sales tax on goods you buy without paying Virginia tax at purchase, typically from out-of-state or online sellers. If a retailer didn't collect Virginia tax on a taxable item you use in the Commonwealth, you owe the equivalent use tax directly to the state. Individuals can report consumer use tax on their Virginia income tax return.
Why does the sales tax total change from one Virginia town to the next?
The 4.3% state rate is constant, but local option taxes and regional add-ons differ by jurisdiction. A purchase in one county might carry the minimum combined rate while a neighboring locality with a regional add-on charges more, pushing the total toward 7%. Because the rate follows the locality where the sale is made or the item is delivered, the same item can cost slightly more depending on where you buy it or have it shipped.

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