Wisconsin Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Calculate sales tax in Wisconsin. Wisconsin has a 5% state sales tax rate; local taxes bring the average combined rate to 5.72%. Based on current WI rates.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated October 19, 2026 · Methodology

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%
Groceries (food for home)
Clothing

Total Tax

$5.72

Total with Tax

$105.72

Combined Rate

5.720%

Tax Breakdown

State Tax (5.00%)$5.00
Local Tax (0.72%)$0.72
Total Sales Tax$5.72
Total with Tax$105.72

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.

Wisconsin Sales Tax Guide

Wisconsin's statewide sales tax is 5%, among the lower base rates in the country, and it is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The rate you actually pay at the register can run higher because counties may add a 0.5% to 0.9% local tax, and the City of Milwaukee layers on its own 2% city tax. Stack those together and a Milwaukee purchase can carry a meaningfully higher combined rate than the same item bought in a county with no local add-on.

What escapes the tax matters to everyday budgets. Most groceries for home consumption are exempt, as are prescription drugs, so a routine trip for unprepared food and medication often shows little or no sales tax. Prepared meals, restaurant food, and most tangible goods remain taxable. When you buy from an out-of-state seller that does not collect Wisconsin tax, a use tax applies at the same combined rate, designed so an online or catalog order does not undercut a local store. Use tax is self-reported, and individuals can settle it on their Wisconsin income tax return.

Wisconsin Sales Tax Details (2026)

State Sales Tax Rate 5%
Local Sales Taxes Yes, 0.72% on average
Average Combined Rate 5.72% (Tax Foundation, midyear 2026)
Local Tax Note Local sales taxes up to 2.9% (county 0.5%-0.9% plus a 2% City of Milwaukee tax)
State Income Tax progressive (up to 7.65%)
Avg. Property Tax Rate 1.19%

Official Sources:

Wisconsin Sales Tax FAQ

What is the combined sales tax rate I'll pay in Wisconsin?
The state charges 5%, and most counties add a local tax of 0.5% to 0.9% on top, with the City of Milwaukee adding a further 2% city tax. So the total at checkout depends on where the sale happens and is highest inside Milwaukee. The Department of Revenue publishes current rates by county and jurisdiction.
Are groceries taxed in Wisconsin?
Most groceries for home consumption are exempt from Wisconsin sales tax, so staple food items typically ring up untaxed. The exemption does not cover prepared foods, restaurant meals, or items like soft drinks and candy, which remain taxable. Prescription drugs are also exempt, while over-the-counter products generally are not.
When do I owe Wisconsin use tax?
Use tax applies when you buy taxable goods from an out-of-state seller that does not collect Wisconsin sales tax, such as some online or mail-order purchases. It is charged at the same combined rate the sale would have carried in your Wisconsin location, and the buyer is responsible for reporting it. Individuals commonly settle use tax on their state income tax return.
Why is the sales tax higher in Milwaukee than elsewhere in Wisconsin?
Milwaukee carries the 5% state rate, its county's local tax, and an additional 2% City of Milwaukee tax that most of the state does not impose. That city-specific layer pushes the combined rate above what a shopper pays in a county with only the small local add-on. The exact total depends on the precise jurisdiction where the sale is rung up.

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