Virginia's statewide sales tax is 5.3 percent, but your actual rate depends on where you buy
Virginia has a base sales tax of 5.3 percent that applies everywhere in the state. However, most cities and counties add their own local tax on top of that, so what you pay at checkout ranges from 5.3 percent to 5.75 percent depending on where you are. The total rate is set by your locality, not by the state, and it does not change based on what you are buying — groceries, clothing, and most other goods are all taxed at the same rate.
The breakdown works like this: the state takes 4.3 percent, and localities add between 0 and 0.45 percent. A few places in Virginia charge exactly 5.3 percent (the state rate with no local addition), but most add something. You will see the full combined rate on your receipt, and that is what matters when you are budgeting or comparing prices between stores in different towns.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia's base state sales tax is 4.3 percent, and localities add 0 to 0.45 percent on top, for a total range of 5.3 to 5.75 percent.
- Your actual rate depends on which city or county you are in, not on what you are buying or where you shop within that area.
- The combined rate appears on your receipt and is the number you use for budgeting or price comparisons.
- Some Virginia localities charge the minimum 5.3 percent, while others charge the maximum 5.75 percent; most fall somewhere in between.
Where to find your local sales tax rate
The easiest way to find out what you pay is to look at a recent receipt from a store in your area — the sales tax rate is printed on it. If you do not have a receipt, you can call your city or county tax assessor's office and ask for the local sales tax rate, or search online for "[your city or county name] Virginia sales tax rate."
Virginia's Department of Taxation also publishes a complete list of rates by locality on its website. You can search by city or county name and see the exact percentage. If you live near a border and shop in different localities, note that the rate changes based on where the store is located, not where you live — so a purchase in one town may be taxed differently than the same purchase in a neighboring town.
What is included in the 5.3 to 5.75 percent rate
The sales tax in Virginia applies to most tangible goods — items you can touch and take home. This includes clothing, electronics, furniture, groceries (with some exceptions), and household items. The tax is calculated on the sale price before any discounts or coupons are applied, so a 10 percent off coupon does not reduce the taxable amount.
Services are generally not taxed in Virginia. Haircuts, car repairs, medical visits, and labor charges do not have sales tax added. Some hybrid situations exist — for example, if you buy a meal at a restaurant, the food is taxed, but if you hire a caterer to prepare food at your home, that service may not be. When in doubt, ask the business before you pay.
How Virginia's local tax system works
Virginia allows each city and county to set its own local sales tax rate within state limits. This means the rate in Arlington is different from the rate in Richmond, which is different from the rate in a rural county. The state does not set a single local rate for everyone — instead, it sets a ceiling (0.45 percent) and lets localities choose how much to add, from zero to that maximum.
This system exists because localities use sales tax revenue to fund schools, roads, and other services. A city or county that wants more revenue can add more local tax (up to the cap), while one that wants to keep costs down for shoppers can add less or none. The result is variation across the state, but it is predictable once you know your locality's choice.
Sales tax on groceries and prepared food
Groceries purchased at a supermarket or grocery store are taxed at a reduced rate in Virginia: 1.5 percent instead of the full local rate. This applies to unprepared food you take home and cook yourself — milk, bread, vegetables, meat, canned goods, and similar items. The reduced rate is set by the state and does not vary by locality.
Prepared food — items ready to eat, like deli sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, or food from a restaurant — is taxed at the full local sales tax rate, not the reduced grocery rate. If you are unsure whether an item counts as prepared or unprepared, ask the cashier before checkout. The distinction matters because it can change what you owe.
Tax-free shopping days and exemptions
Virginia does not have an annual tax-free shopping day like some states do. However, certain items are permanently exempt from sales tax. These include prescription medications, medical equipment (like wheelchairs or hearing aids), and items for people with disabilities. If you use a prescription or medical exemption, you may need to show documentation at checkout.
Some nonprofits and government agencies can also buy items tax-free if they have the proper resale or exemption certificate. If you work for a nonprofit or government entity and need to make a tax-free purchase, ask your supervisor or finance department for the certificate to present to the seller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on online orders shipped to Virginia?
Yes, most online retailers now collect and pay Virginia sales tax on orders shipped to Virginia addresses. The rate is based on the address where the item is being delivered, so you pay your local rate even if you order from out of state. Some very small sellers may not collect tax, but major retailers do.
What is the sales tax rate in Northern Virginia?
Northern Virginia localities vary. Arlington and Alexandria charge 5.75 percent (the maximum), while Fairfax County charges 5.625 percent, and some other areas charge different rates. Check your specific city or county, or look at a recent receipt to see what you pay.
Do I pay sales tax on used items or secondhand purchases?
Sales tax applies to most used goods sold by businesses, including used cars, used furniture, and used clothing from a store. Private sales between individuals typically do not have sales tax. If you are buying from a business, expect tax to be added.
Is there sales tax on car purchases in Virginia?
Yes, the full local sales tax rate applies to vehicle purchases. The tax is calculated on the sale price of the car. You pay it at the dealership or private sale, and it is separate from registration fees and other costs associated with buying a vehicle.
Can I get a refund of sales tax I already paid?
Generally, no. Sales tax is final once you pay it. If you return an item and get a refund, the sales tax is refunded as part of that refund. If you believe you were charged tax incorrectly, contact the business where you made the purchase first.