The Virginia Sales Tax Calculator helps you quickly determine the sales tax on a purchase in any area of Virginia. You can calculate sales tax by adding it to a pre-tax amount or removing it from a total amount.
Virginia Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax for all areas in Virginia 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 Virginia Sales Tax Calculator helps you quickly determine the sales tax on a purchase in any area of Virginia. 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
Virginia has a state sales tax rate of 4.3%, with local jurisdictions adding additional sales tax. The combined rates vary by location from 5.3% to 7.0%, with most areas having a local option tax of 1% and some regions adding an additional 0.7% regional tax. 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 Arlington with the standard tax rate of 6%:
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
Removing Sales Tax Example
Now, let’s say you have a total amount of $1,590.00 and want to calculate the pre-tax amount and tax in Arlington:
Total Amount = $1,590.00
Tax Rate = 6% or 0.06
Calculate the pre-tax amount:
Pre-Tax Amount = $1,590.00 ÷ (1 + 0.06) = $1,590.00 ÷ 1.06 = $1,500.00
Calculate the tax amount:
Tax Amount = $1,590.00 – $1,500.00 = $90.00
State Rate Only Example
Using only the state rate of 5.3%, let’s calculate tax on a $1,500 product:
Pre-Tax Amount = $1,500
Tax Rate = 5.3% or 0.053
Calculate the tax amount:
Tax Amount = $1,500 × 0.053 = $79.50
Calculate the total amount:
Total Amount = $1,500 + $79.50 = $1,579.50
Virginia Sales Tax Rates (2025)
Virginia has a state sales tax rate of 4.3%, with local jurisdictions adding additional sales tax. The combined rates vary by location from 5.3% to 7.0%, with most areas having a local option tax of 1% and some regions adding an additional 0.7% regional tax.
State Rate
Local Option Rate
Regional Tax
Rate Range
Virginia Sales Tax Breakdown (2025)
| Tax Component | Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia State Sales and Use Tax | 4.300% | Statewide base rate |
| Local Option Sales Tax | 1.000% | Standard local option tax |
| Northern Virginia Regional Tax | 0.700% | Additional tax in Northern VA |
| Hampton Roads Regional Tax | 0.700% | Additional tax in Hampton Roads |
| Food and Personal Hygiene Products | 2.500% | Reduced state rate + local taxes |
| Total Sales and Use Tax | 5.300-7.000% | Combined rate |
Major Virginia Areas with Tax Rates
| Area | Region | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Arlington | Northern Virginia | 6% |
| Fairfax | Northern Virginia | 6% |
| Richmond | Central Virginia | 6% |
| Virginia Beach | Hampton Roads | 6% |
| Norfolk | Hampton Roads | 6% |
| Chesapeake | Hampton Roads | 6% |
| Roanoke | Southwest Virginia | 6% |
| Lynchburg | Central Virginia | 6% |
| Charlottesville | Central Virginia | 6% |
| Newport News | Hampton Roads | 6% |
Virginia Sales Tax Exemptions (2025)
Virginia 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 taxed at a reduced rate of 2.5% state tax plus local taxes
- Personal Hygiene Products: Taxed at the reduced rate of 2.5% state tax plus local taxes
- 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
Virginia Special Sales Tax Categories (2025)
Virginia has several special sales tax categories with different rates:
- Food and Personal Hygiene Products: 2.5% state rate plus local taxes (typically 1%), resulting in a total of 3.5% in most areas
- Motor Vehicle Purchases: 4.15% state rate plus local taxes
- Tobacco Products: Special taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products in addition to sales tax
- Alcoholic Beverages: Special taxes in addition to sales tax
- Fuel: Special motor fuel taxes in addition to sales tax
These special tax categories help fund specific state programs and services.
Recent Changes to Virginia Sales Tax (2025)
As of 2025, there have been several important changes to Virginia’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 or 200 transactions must collect and remit Virginia 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 Virginia Sales Tax
What is Virginia Sales Tax?
Virginia 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 4.3%, with local jurisdictions adding additional tax. Sales tax is collected by retailers at the point of sale and remitted to the Virginia Department of Taxation.
Local Sales Taxes
In addition to the state sales tax, towns and cities in Virginia can impose local option sales taxes. These local rates are typically 1%, making the combined rate 5.3% in most areas. Some regions like Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads add an additional 0.7% regional tax, bringing the total to 6%.
Tax Collection
Sales tax in Virginia is collected by sellers at the point of sale and remitted to the Virginia Department of Taxation. 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
Virginia use tax applies when sales tax has not been paid on taxable items purchased outside the state for use in Virginia. 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 Virginia must register for a sales tax permit with the Virginia Department of Taxation. 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 Virginia are typically filed monthly, but businesses with lower sales volume may file quarterly or annually. Filing is done through the Virginia Department of Taxation’s online system, and payments are due by the 20th of the month following the reporting period.
Virginia Sales Tax for Businesses
Nexus Requirements
Businesses must collect Virginia sales tax if they have nexus in the state. Virginia follows economic nexus rules, requiring out-of-state sellers with more than $100,000 in sales into the state or 200 transactions in the previous calendar year to collect and remit Virginia 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 Virginia. 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. Virginia 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 Virginia, 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
Virginia imposes penalties for late filing and late payment of sales tax. The penalty is 6% of the tax due per month, up to a maximum of 30%, plus interest at the rate determined by the Virginia Department of Taxation. Failure to file or pay can result in additional penalties and legal action.
Tax Calculation Services
Given the complexity of Virginia’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.