Wyoming has no state sales tax
Wyoming is one of five states with no statewide sales tax. You will not pay a state-level sales tax on purchases in Wyoming, whether you are buying groceries, clothing, electronics, or services. This applies to both in-person and online purchases made within the state.
However, some Wyoming cities and counties do charge local sales taxes. These vary by location and can range from 1% to 4% depending on where you shop. The total tax you pay depends on your specific city or county, not on state policy.
If you are moving to Wyoming or doing business there, understanding which local taxes apply in your area matters for budgeting. The state itself collects no sales tax, but your local government may.
Key Takeaways
- Wyoming has no state sales tax, making it one of five states without one.
- Local sales taxes in Wyoming cities and counties range from 1% to 4% and vary by location.
- Online purchases shipped to Wyoming addresses are subject to local sales tax if the seller collects it.
- Some items like groceries and prescription medications are exempt from local sales tax in certain Wyoming counties.
- You can find your local sales tax rate by contacting your city or county assessor's office.
How local sales taxes work in Wyoming
Wyoming cities and counties set their own sales tax rates within state law. A purchase in Cheyenne may be taxed differently than the same purchase in Jackson or Casper. The tax is collected by the seller at the point of sale and sent to the local government.
Some Wyoming counties have no local sales tax at all. Others have rates as high as 4%. You can find your exact local rate by contacting your city or county assessor's office, or by checking the Wyoming Department of Revenue website, which maintains a list of local tax rates by jurisdiction.
Local sales tax in Wyoming applies to most goods and some services. Groceries, prescription medications, and certain medical equipment are often exempt, but exemptions vary by county. If you live near a county border, the tax rate can change depending on which side you shop on.
What items are exempt from Wyoming sales tax
Wyoming law exempts certain items from local sales tax, though the specifics depend on your county. Prescription medications are typically exempt statewide. Groceries and food for home consumption are exempt in most counties, though prepared foods and restaurant meals are usually taxed.
Medical equipment and supplies prescribed by a doctor are often exempt. Clothing for children under a certain age may be exempt in some counties. Services like haircuts, repairs, and professional fees are generally not subject to sales tax in Wyoming.
Because exemptions vary by location, what is tax-free in one county may be taxed in another. If you are unsure whether a specific item or purchase is exempt where you live, ask the seller or contact your local tax assessor.
Online purchases and Wyoming sales tax
Online retailers are required to collect and send local sales tax on purchases shipped to Wyoming addresses if they have a physical presence in the state or meet federal thresholds for remote sellers. This means many major online retailers now collect Wyoming local sales tax at checkout.
Smaller online sellers may not collect Wyoming sales tax. In those cases, you are technically responsible for reporting the purchase on your own tax return, though this is rarely enforced for individual consumers. The tax rate applied is based on the shipping address, not where the seller is located.
If you buy something online and no sales tax was collected, the tax owed would be at your local rate. For example, if you live in a county with a 3% local sales tax and buy a $100 item with no tax collected, you would owe $3 to your county.
Finding your local sales tax rate
Your local sales tax rate depends on your city and county. The easiest way to find it is to contact your city or county assessor's office directly. They can tell you the exact rate that applies to your address and answer questions about what is taxed in your area.
The Wyoming Department of Revenue also publishes a complete list of local sales tax rates by county and municipality on its website. You can search by location to find your rate. Some retailers also display the local tax rate at checkout or on their receipts.
If you are moving to Wyoming or relocating within the state, knowing your new local tax rate helps you budget for purchases. Rates can differ significantly between towns, so it is worth checking before you move or start a business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Wyoming?
Most Wyoming counties exempt groceries and food for home consumption from local sales tax. However, prepared foods, restaurant meals, and some specialty items may be taxed. Check with your county assessor to confirm what is exempt where you live, since rules vary by location.
What is the highest local sales tax rate in Wyoming?
Local sales tax rates in Wyoming range up to 4%, depending on the county and city. Some areas have no local sales tax at all. Contact your local assessor's office to find the exact rate for your address.
Do I owe sales tax on items I buy outside Wyoming and bring home?
Technically, you may owe use tax on items purchased out of state if no sales tax was collected. Use tax is Wyoming's way of collecting tax on out-of-state purchases. However, this is rarely enforced for individual consumers making personal purchases.
Are services like haircuts or car repairs taxed in Wyoming?
Most services in Wyoming are not subject to local sales tax. Haircuts, repairs, professional services, and labor are generally tax-free. However, if you buy a product as part of the service (like a haircut plus a product), the product portion may be taxed depending on your county.
Can I find my local sales tax rate online?
Yes. The Wyoming Department of Revenue publishes a list of all local sales tax rates by county and city on its website. You can search by location to find your rate. Your city or county assessor's office can also provide this information.