Virginia sales tax rates (July 1, 2026)
| State rate | 5.30% |
|---|---|
| Average local rate | 0.47% (population-weighted; your address may differ) |
| Average combined rate | 5.77% |
| Rank among the 50 states and DC | 42 of 51, where 1 is the highest combined rate |
The 5.30% state rate applies everywhere in Virginia; local rates vary by city, county and special district, which is why the calculator lets you switch between the statewide average and your own local rate. For deliveries, the rate at the delivery address usually applies.
Sales tax on common purchases in Virginia
| Purchase | State tax only (5.30%) | Tax at 5.77% | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.53 | $0.58 | $10.58 |
| $25 | $1.33 | $1.44 | $26.44 |
| $50 | $2.65 | $2.89 | $52.89 |
| $100 | $5.30 | $5.77 | $105.77 |
| $250 | $13.25 | $14.43 | $264.43 |
| $500 | $26.50 | $28.85 | $528.85 |
| $1,000 | $53.00 | $57.70 | $1,057.70 |
| $5,000 | $265.00 | $288.50 | $5,288.50 |
Worked example: a $250 purchase
Combined rate = 5.30% state + 0.47% average local = 5.77%
Sales tax = $250 × 0.0577 = $14.43 ($13.25 state, $1.18 local)
Total = $250 + $14.43 = $264.43
To back the tax out of a receipt total, divide by 1 plus the rate: $264.43 ÷ 1.0577 ≈ $250.00. The reverse sales tax calculator does this for any rate.
Virginia compared with nearby states
| State | State rate | Avg. local | Combined | Tax on $250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 5.30% | 0.47% | 5.77% | $14.43 |
| Maryland | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% | $15.00 |
| District of Columbia | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% | $15.00 |
| West Virginia | 6.00% | 0.60% | 6.60% | $16.50 |
| Kentucky | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% | $15.00 |
| Tennessee | 7.00% | 2.61% | 9.61% | $24.03 |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 2.35% | 7.10% | $17.75 |
Virginia's average combined rate is the lowest among its neighbors, so crossing the border rarely saves sales tax.
What's taxed and what's exempt in Virginia
- Groceries and essential personal hygiene products are taxed at 1% (the local share only) since 2023.
- Virginia's sales tax holiday (August 7–9, 2026) covered school supplies, clothing, emergency supplies and Energy Star products.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Virginia in 2026?
The state rate is 5.30%. Cities, counties and districts add an average of 0.47%, for a combined average of 5.77% as of July 1, 2026.
How much is the sales tax on $100 in Virginia?
About $5.77 at the 5.77% average combined rate, for a total of $105.77. The 5.30% state share alone is $5.30.
How does Virginia's sales tax compare with other states?
Virginia ranks 42 of 51 for combined state and average local sales tax, where 1 is the highest. None of its neighbors has a lower combined rate. Tennessee (9.61%), North Carolina (7.10%) and West Virginia (6.60%) are higher.
Do I pay Virginia sales tax on online orders?
Yes, in most cases. Larger online sellers and marketplaces collect Virginia sales tax based on the delivery address. If a seller doesn't, Virginia residents owe use tax at the same rate on taxable items, usually reported on the state income tax return.
What else should shoppers know about sales tax in Virginia?
Groceries and essential personal hygiene products are taxed at 1% (the local share only) since 2023.
Rates are averages for planning — not tax advice. Source: Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (rates as of July 1, 2026). Local rates vary by address and can change during the year; the Virginia revenue department publishes the official rate for each location.