Nevada has a state sales tax of 6.85 percent, plus local taxes that vary by county
Nevada charges a state sales tax of 6.85 percent on most retail purchases. On top of that, each county adds its own local sales tax. The total you pay at checkout depends on where you are shopping — Clark County (Las Vegas) has a different rate than Washoe County (Reno), which differs from rural counties. Your final sales tax rate ranges from 7.375 percent to 8.375 percent depending on location.
The state does not tax groceries, prescription medications, or medical equipment. Some services — haircuts, repairs, professional fees — are also exempt. But clothing, electronics, furniture, and most other goods are taxed at the full rate.
Key Takeaways
- Nevada's state sales tax is 6.85 percent, and every county adds a local tax on top of that, making your total rate between 7.375 and 8.375 percent.
- Groceries and prescription medications are not taxed in Nevada, but clothing, electronics, and most other retail items are.
- The county where you make the purchase determines your local tax rate, not where you live or where the business is based.
- Online purchases from out-of-state sellers may or may not be taxed depending on whether that seller has a physical presence in Nevada.
Sales tax rates by Nevada county
Each Nevada county sets its own local sales tax rate. Clark County (which includes Las Vegas and Henderson) charges 1.525 percent local tax on top of the state rate, bringing the total to 8.375 percent. Washoe County (Reno and Sparks) charges 1.1875 percent local tax, for a total of 8.0375 percent. Rural counties like Elko, Lander, and Nye have lower local rates, resulting in totals closer to 7.375 percent.
The rate that applies is the one in effect where the purchase happens, not where you live. If you buy something in Las Vegas, you pay Clark County's rate even if you live in another county. If you order online and pick up in a store, the store's location determines the tax.
What is and is not taxed in Nevada
Not taxed: Groceries (food for home consumption), prescription medications, medical devices prescribed by a doctor, and certain services like haircuts and repairs performed on personal property. Utilities are also exempt from sales tax.
Taxed: Clothing and shoes, electronics, furniture, appliances, restaurant meals and takeout food, alcohol, tobacco, gasoline, and most other retail goods. Services like plumbing, electrical work, and consulting are generally taxed. Prepared food — anything sold hot or ready to eat — is taxed even if it is technically food.
The line between groceries and prepared food matters. A loaf of bread from a grocery store is not taxed. A sandwich from a deli counter is taxed. Canned soup is not taxed. Soup from a restaurant is taxed.
Online and mail order purchases
Nevada sales tax on online purchases depends on whether the seller has a physical presence in the state — a warehouse, office, or store location. If they do, they must collect Nevada sales tax. If they do not, they typically do not collect it, though you may owe use tax on the purchase (a parallel tax that applies to goods brought into Nevada).
Large online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target have Nevada locations and collect sales tax on orders shipped to Nevada addresses. Smaller sellers without a Nevada presence may not. The responsibility to pay use tax falls on the buyer, but it is rarely enforced for individual purchases.
How sales tax is calculated and displayed
Prices displayed on price tags and websites in Nevada do not include sales tax — the tax is added at checkout. A $100 item in Las Vegas costs $108.38 after tax ($100 × 1.08375). A $100 item in Reno costs $108.04 after tax ($100 × 1.08038).
Businesses calculate tax on the pre-tax subtotal, not on each individual item. If you buy multiple items, the tax is applied to the total, then rounded to the nearest cent. This means the final amount you pay may be a few cents different from what you would calculate by hand.
Resale certificates and business purchases
If you are a business buying goods to resell, you can provide a resale certificate to avoid paying sales tax on the purchase. The tax is then collected from the end customer instead. You must register with the Nevada Department of Taxation and obtain a resale certificate number to use this exemption.
Resale certificates only apply to goods you are buying for resale. If you are a business buying supplies for your own use — office furniture, cleaning supplies, equipment — you pay sales tax like any other customer. The certificate does not exempt you from tax on services or on items you are keeping for business operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Nevada?
No. Groceries — food you buy at a store to cook and eat at home — are not taxed in Nevada. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, canned goods, and frozen meals. Restaurant meals, takeout, and prepared food are taxed.
What is the sales tax rate in Las Vegas?
The total sales tax in Las Vegas (Clark County) is 8.375 percent: 6.85 percent state plus 1.525 percent local. This rate applies to all taxable purchases made in Clark County.
Do I owe sales tax on items I buy online from out-of-state sellers?
If the seller has no physical location in Nevada, they usually do not collect Nevada sales tax. Technically you owe use tax on the purchase, but this is rarely enforced for individual buyers. Large retailers with Nevada operations do collect sales tax on Nevada orders.
Are prescription medications taxed in Nevada?
No. Prescription medications are exempt from Nevada sales tax. Over-the-counter medications and vitamins are also not taxed. Medical devices prescribed by a doctor are exempt, but general health and wellness products are taxed.
How do I know if a service is subject to sales tax?
Most services are taxed in Nevada, including haircuts, repairs, cleaning, and professional services. The main exceptions are certain medical and dental services. When in doubt, ask the business before you pay — they are required to know their own tax obligations.