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Understanding New York State's sales tax rates can be tricky, especially with different cities tacking on their own percentages. Need help figuring out the right amount to charge? Our streamlined calculator has you covered. Just enter the purchase total, and we’ll deliver an accurate calculation based on New York State’s combined tax rates.
New York State has a base sales tax rate of 4%1 on retail sales, rentals, and taxable services. However, local counties and cities can impose additional sales tax, with combined rates ranging from 7% to 8.875% depending on the location.
The specific rate you’ll pay depends on where the sale occurs. Use our calculator to find the exact sales tax rate for your area in New York State.
To calculate your New York State sales tax, you'll need the purchase amount and the local sales tax rate. The state’s base rate is 4%, but local rates can bring the total up to 8.875%.
Once you know your combined effective sales tax, multiply the purchase amount by the tax rate to determine the sales tax amount, then add that to the purchase amount to find the total cost.
To calculate sales tax:
Multiply the Purchase Amount by the applicable Sales Tax Rate to get the Sales Tax amount
Add the Sales Tax to the original Purchase Amount to find the Total Cost
You can use these formulas or use our calculator for a faster answer.
Sales Tax = Purchase Amount × Sales Tax Rate
Total Cost = Purchase Amount + Sales Tax
New York State offers sales tax exemptions on specific items to reduce costs for residents and businesses. Items exempt from sales tax in New York State include:
Most unprepared grocery items are exempt, though alcohol, candy, and soda remain taxable.
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Items sold for less than $110 per item or pair are tax-exempt to ease the financial burden on consumers.
Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and certain medical equipment, like wheelchairs and prosthetics, are not taxed.
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Menstrual products, such as tampons and pads, are exempt under New York State law.
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Seeds, fertilizers, and machinery used in farming are tax-exempt to support agriculture.
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Machinery and equipment used directly in production or research and development are exempt from sales tax.
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Residential gas, electricity, and heating fuels like oil are generally exempt from state and local sales taxes.
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Newspapers and qualifying periodicals are exempt to encourage access to information.
1New York Department of Finance and Taxation: Find sales tax rates
2New York Department of Finance and Taxation: Sales tax rates by local taxing jurisdiction
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