The highest sales tax in the US as of 2026 is 9.55% in Louisiana, combining state and local rates according to the latest data from the Tax Foundation.
What was the highest sales tax in the US in 2020?
In 2020, the highest combined state and local sales tax rate was 9.55% in Louisiana, based on Tax Foundation analysis of state and local tax structures.
That year, Louisiana's rate included a 4.45% state sales tax plus local add-ons that varied by parish. (Some parishes added up to 7% locally, pushing totals well above other states.) Tennessee came in just behind at 9.547%, followed closely by Arkansas at 9.48%. If you spent $1,000 in these states, you'd pay an extra $95.50 in sales tax—no small change.
Which city has the highest sales tax in America right now?
As of 2026, Tacoma, Washington charges the highest combined local and state sales tax at 10.30%, according to the Washington State Department of Revenue.
Washington's 6.5% state tax plus local levies of up to 3.8% add up fast. Five other cities aren't far behind at 10.25%: Fremont, Los Angeles, and Oakland in California; Chicago, Illinois; and Seattle, Washington. Shopping regularly in these spots? Expect to pay over $102.50 in sales tax per $1,000 spent. Honestly, that's painful.
Which state has the highest overall tax burden?
Connecticut tops the list with a 9.99% total state tax burden as of 2026, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.
This figure covers income, property, sales, and excise taxes as a percentage of personal income. Minnesota and New Jersey follow closely at 9.98%, with Rhode Island at 9.69%. Residents here typically pay thousands more annually than those in low-tax states like Wyoming or Alaska.
Where does the US rank for highest sales tax globally?
The highest standard VAT rate worldwide as of 2026 is 28% in India, according to OECD and KPMG global tax comparisons.
India applies this rate to luxury goods and services, while essentials get taxed lower. Hungary follows at 27%, and Brazil at 25%. For context, the US combined average sits around 8.5%, making most global rates significantly higher than America's.
Which state had the lowest sales tax back in 2020?
Alaska had the lowest average combined state and local sales tax rate at 1.76% in 2020, according to the Tax Foundation.
Many Alaska municipalities don't impose a local sales tax, and the state itself charges none. Hawaii ranked second lowest at 4.44%, followed by Wyoming at 5.39%. Residents here save big compared to states with rates above 9%.
Is there any state with no sales tax at all?
Alaska is the only state with no state-level sales tax as of 2026, and many local governments choose not to levy one either.
That's not all—Alaska also has no state income tax, making it a magnet for tax-conscious residents. The state does have a higher-than-average property tax rate of 1.18%, but offers exemptions and credits that ease the burden for seniors and low-income households.
Which state had the highest sales tax rate in 2020?
California had the highest state-level sales tax in 2020 at 7.25%, according to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
That's just the base rate—local additions can push total rates much higher. Indiana, Mississippi, Rhode Island, and Tennessee all had state rates of 7.00% that year. These states lean heavily on sales tax revenue, which can make everyday purchases pricier.
Where can you find the highest gas tax in the country?
California has the highest gas tax in the US as of 2026 at 66.98 cents per gallon, per the American Petroleum Institute.
This includes state excise tax, environmental fees, and federal taxes. Illinois follows at 59.56 cents, Pennsylvania at 58.7 cents, and New Jersey at 50.7 cents. Drivers in these states spend hundreds more annually on fuel than those in states with lower gas taxes.
Which state had the highest property taxes in 2020?
As of 2020 data, Rhode Island had the highest average effective property tax rate at 1.53%, according to the Tax Foundation.
That meant Rhode Island homeowners paid an average of $1,530 annually in property taxes per $100,000 of home value. Ohio followed at 1.62%, Nebraska at 1.65%, and Texas at 1.69%. These rates are way higher than Alabama, where the average effective rate was around 0.42%.
Is there any country with truly no taxes?
Monaco is a tax-free country for personal income tax as of 2026, according to the CIA World Factbook.
Residents of Monaco don't pay income tax on earnings, though businesses face a 25% corporate tax except in certain sectors. The country also has no sales tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax, making it a top tax haven for high-net-worth individuals.
Which state has the lowest overall tax burden?
Wyoming has the lowest state tax burden in the US as of 2026, according to the Tax Foundation.
Wyoming has no state income tax and a low property tax rate, relying instead on sales and mineral taxes. Washington, Texas, South Dakota, and Nevada also have no state income tax, though they may charge other taxes like sales or property taxes. These states are magnets for retirees and remote workers.
Are there countries with no sales tax at all?
Bermuda and Monaco are among countries with no sales tax as of 2026, according to KPMG global tax guides.
These countries make up for lost revenue with import duties and other indirect taxes. The Bahamas also has no sales tax, while the UAE applies a 5% VAT only on certain goods. For frequent shoppers, these destinations can offer serious savings.
What are the sales tax rates by state?
| State | State Rate | Local Range |
|---|
| Alaska | 0% | 0%–7.8% |
| California | 7.25% | 1%–3.5% |
| Florida | 6% | 0%–2.5% |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 1%–4.75% |
| New York | 4% | 0%–5% |
Where can you buy a car with the lowest sales tax?
These states don't levy a state sales tax, though local fees or registration costs may still apply. In contrast, states like California and Illinois add sales tax to vehicle purchases, increasing the total cost by hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Which states don't charge sales tax on car purchases?
North Carolina and Hawaii have low rates at 3% and 4.5% respectively. If you're buying a $30,000 car in one of these states, you could save $2,850 or more compared to a state with a 9.5% sales tax.
