The Vermont Sales Tax Calculator helps you quickly determine the sales tax on a purchase in any area of Vermont. You can calculate sales tax by adding it to a pre-tax amount or removing it from a total amount.
Vermont Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax for all areas in Vermont with accurate rates including all counties and municipalities
Total Amount
Tax Amount
Pre-Tax Amount
Tax Rate
Removing Tax: Pre-Tax = Amount ÷ (1 + Tax Rate)
The Vermont Sales Tax Calculator helps you quickly determine the sales tax on a purchase in any area of Vermont. You can calculate sales tax by adding it to a pre-tax amount or removing it from a total amount.
When adding sales tax:
- Tax Amount = Pre-Tax Amount × Tax Rate
- Total Amount = Pre-Tax Amount + Tax Amount
When removing sales tax:
- Pre-Tax Amount = Total Amount ÷ (1 + Tax Rate)
- Tax Amount = Total Amount – Pre-Tax Amount
Vermont has a state sales tax rate of 6%, with local jurisdictions adding additional sales tax. The combined rates vary by location from 6% to 7%, with most areas having a local option tax of 1%. This calculator provides accurate calculations for all tax rates in the state.
Adding Sales Tax Example
Let’s say you want to calculate sales tax on a $1,500 product in Burlington with the standard tax rate of 7%:
Pre-Tax Amount = $1,500
Tax Rate = 7% or 0.07
Calculate the tax amount:
Tax Amount = $1,500 × 0.07 = $105.00
Calculate the total amount:
Total Amount = $1,500 + $105.00 = $1,605.00
Removing Sales Tax Example
Now, let’s say you have a total amount of $1,605.00 and want to calculate the pre-tax amount and tax in Burlington:
Total Amount = $1,605.00
Tax Rate = 7% or 0.07
Calculate the pre-tax amount:
Pre-Tax Amount = $1,605.00 ÷ (1 + 0.07) = $1,605.00 ÷ 1.07 = $1,500.00
Calculate the tax amount:
Tax Amount = $1,605.00 – $1,500.00 = $105.00
State Rate Only Example
Using only the state rate of 6%, let’s calculate tax on a $1,500 product:
Pre-Tax Amount = $1,500
Tax Rate = 6% or 0.06
Calculate the tax amount:
Tax Amount = $1,500 × 0.06 = $90.00
Calculate the total amount:
Total Amount = $1,500 + $90.00 = $1,590.00
Vermont Sales Tax Rates (2025)
Vermont has a state sales tax rate of 6%, with local jurisdictions adding additional sales tax. The combined rates vary by location from 6% to 7%, with most areas having a local option tax of 1%.
State Rate
Local Option Rate
Rooms and Meals
Rate Range
Vermont Sales Tax Breakdown (2025)
| Tax Component | Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont State Sales and Use Tax | 6.000% | Statewide base rate |
| Local Option Sales Tax | 0.000-1.000% | Local option taxes |
| Rooms Tax | 9.000% | Hotels and lodging |
| Meals Tax | 9.000% | Restaurant meals |
| Alcoholic Beverages | 10.000% | Alcoholic beverages |
| Total Sales and Use Tax | 6.000-7.000% | Combined rate |
Major Vermont Areas with Tax Rates
| Area | County | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Burlington | Chittenden | 7% |
| Essex | Chittenden | 7% |
| South Burlington | Chittenden | 7% |
| Colchester | Chittenden | 7% |
| Rutland | Rutland | 7% |
| Bennington | Bennington | 7% |
| Brattleboro | Windham | 7% |
| Hartford | Windsor | 7% |
| Milton | Chittenden | 7% |
| Barre | Washington | 7% |
Vermont Sales Tax Exemptions (2025)
Vermont provides several exemptions from sales tax for certain types of goods and services. Some common exemptions include:
- Food and Food Ingredients: Most food items intended for human consumption are exempt from sales tax, though prepared foods and certain beverages may be taxable
- Clothing: Clothing and footwear costing less than $110 per item are exempt from sales tax
- Prescription Drugs: All prescription medications are exempt from sales tax
- Over-the-Counter Drugs: Non-prescription drugs are exempt from sales tax
- Medical Equipment: Certain medical devices and supplies are exempt
- Fuel and Utilities: Residential fuel and utilities are exempt from sales tax
- Farm Equipment: Machinery and equipment used in agricultural production
- Manufacturing Equipment: Machinery and equipment used directly in manufacturing
- Religious and Charitable Organizations: Purchases by qualifying organizations
- Government Agencies: Purchases by federal, state, and local governments
Vermont Special Sales Tax Categories (2025)
Vermont has several special sales tax categories with different rates:
- Rooms Tax: 9% tax on hotel rooms and other lodging facilities
- Meals Tax: 9% tax on restaurant meals and prepared food
- Alcoholic Beverages: 10% tax on alcoholic beverages sold for consumption on-premises
- Motor Vehicle Purchases: 6% tax on motor vehicles, with certain trade-in allowances
- Tobacco Products: Special taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products in addition to sales tax
These special tax categories help fund specific state programs and services.
Recent Changes to Vermont Sales Tax (2025)
As of 2025, there have been several important changes to Vermont’s sales tax system:
- Remote Seller Nexus: Following economic nexus rules, out-of-state sellers with more than $100,000 in sales into the state must collect and remit Vermont sales tax
- Marketplace Facilitators: Enhanced requirements for online marketplace facilitators to collect and remit sales tax
- Digital Products: Expanded taxation of digital products and services
- Streamlined Sales Tax: Continued participation in the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement
- Local Option Taxes: Changes in how local option taxes are calculated and distributed
- Exemption Certificate Modernization: Updated processes for handling exemption certificates
- Environmental Fees: New environmental fees on certain products in addition to sales tax
Understanding Vermont Sales Tax
What is Vermont Sales Tax?
Vermont sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by the state and local jurisdictions on the sale of goods and certain services. The state rate is 6%, with local jurisdictions adding additional tax. Sales tax is collected by retailers at the point of sale and remitted to the Vermont Department of Taxes.
Local Sales Taxes
In addition to the state sales tax, towns and cities in Vermont can impose local option sales taxes. These local rates are typically 1%, making the combined rate 7% in most areas. The local option tax is distributed to the municipality where the sale occurs.
Tax Collection
Sales tax in Vermont is collected by sellers at the point of sale and remitted to the Vermont Department of Taxes. Sellers must register with the state and obtain a sales tax permit before collecting tax. Returns are typically filed monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on the volume of sales.
Use Tax
Vermont use tax applies when sales tax has not been paid on taxable items purchased outside the state for use in Vermont. The use tax rate is the same as the sales tax rate that would have applied if the purchase was made within the state. This ensures that out-of-state purchases don’t have an unfair advantage over in-state purchases.
Business Registration
Businesses selling taxable goods or services in Vermont must register for a sales tax permit with the Vermont Department of Taxes. Registration can be done online through the department’s website. Once registered, businesses must collect sales tax on all taxable transactions and file regular returns.
Filing Requirements
Sales tax returns in Vermont are typically filed monthly, but businesses with lower sales volume may file quarterly or annually. Filing is done through the Vermont Department of Taxes’ online system, and payments are due by the 25th of the month following the reporting period.
Vermont Sales Tax for Businesses
Nexus Requirements
Businesses must collect Vermont sales tax if they have nexus in the state. Vermont follows economic nexus rules, requiring out-of-state sellers with more than $100,000 in sales into the state in the previous calendar year to collect and remit Vermont sales tax.
Marketplace Facilitators
Marketplace facilitators like Amazon and eBay are required to collect and remit sales tax on behalf of third-party sellers selling into Vermont. This applies to marketplace facilitators that meet the economic nexus thresholds. The facilitator is responsible for collecting and remitting the tax on all sales made through their platform.
Exemption Certificates
Businesses purchasing items for resale can provide exemption certificates to sellers to avoid paying sales tax. Vermont has specific forms that must be completed and provided to the seller at the time of purchase. The certificate must be updated periodically and must include specific information about the purchaser and the type of exemption being claimed.
Shipping and Handling
In Vermont, shipping and handling charges are generally taxable if they are part of the sale of tangible personal property. If the charges are separately stated and related to transportation services, they may be exempt. The taxability depends on whether the charges are considered part of the sale or a separate service.
Penalties and Interest
Vermont imposes penalties for late filing and late payment of sales tax. The penalty is 5% of the tax due per month, up to a maximum of 25%, plus interest at the rate determined by the Vermont Department of Taxes. Failure to file or pay can result in additional penalties and legal action.
Tax Calculation Services
Given the complexity of Vermont’s sales tax system with different rates in various jurisdictions, many businesses use automated tax calculation services to ensure accurate collection and remittance of sales tax. These services help businesses stay compliant with changing tax laws and rates.