Virginia's statewide sales tax is 5.3%, but your actual rate depends on where you buy and what you're buying
Virginia charges a base sales tax of 5.3% on most purchases. However, individual cities and counties can add their own local tax on top of that, which means the total rate you pay at checkout ranges from 5.3% to 5.75% depending on your location. Some products are taxed at a lower rate or not taxed at all, regardless of where you are in the state.
The rate you see on your receipt is the combined state and local tax. You do not need to calculate it yourself — the cashier or online system applies the correct rate based on the delivery address or store location. But knowing what rate applies to your area helps you understand your bill and budget for purchases.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia's base state sales tax is 5.3%, and most cities and counties add 0% to 0.45% on top of that, bringing your total to between 5.3% and 5.75%.
- Groceries, prescription medications, and medical equipment are taxed at 2.5% or not taxed at all, even in high-tax localities.
- Your exact rate depends on the city or county where you make the purchase or where an online order ships to.
- Some services like haircuts, repairs, and labor are subject to sales tax in Virginia, unlike in some other states.
Where to find your local sales tax rate
Virginia publishes a complete list of local tax rates by city and county on the Department of Taxation website. The easiest way to find your rate is to search for your city or county name plus "Virginia sales tax" — most local government websites also display the rate prominently.
If you live in a city that is independent from a county (like Alexandria, Charlottesville, or Falls Church), your city rate applies. If you live in a county, the county rate applies. Some cities within counties have added their own local tax on top of the county rate, so the combined total can vary even within the same county.
For online purchases, the rate that applies is usually the rate where the order ships to, not where you live or where the seller is located. If you order something online to be delivered to a friend in a different city, that friend's local rate applies.
What is taxed at the reduced 2.5% rate
Groceries and food bought for home consumption are taxed at 2.5% in Virginia, not the full rate. This includes items like bread, milk, eggs, vegetables, meat, and canned goods. The reduced rate applies whether you buy them in a grocery store, convenience store, or online.
Prepared food — anything meant to be eaten right away, like restaurant meals, deli sandwiches, or hot food from a grocery store — is taxed at the full rate. The difference is whether the food is ready to eat or requires preparation at home.
Prescription medications are not taxed at all in Virginia. Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers and cold medicine are taxed at the full rate. Durable medical equipment like wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, and diabetic supplies are also not taxed.
Services that are subject to sales tax
Virginia taxes many services that some other states do not. Haircuts, barber services, and salon treatments are taxed. Repair services — whether for appliances, vehicles, clothing, or other items — are taxed. Dry cleaning and laundry services are taxed. Labor charges for installation, construction, or assembly are taxed.
The tax applies to the entire charge, including both materials and labor. If you pay a plumber $200 to fix a leak, the full $200 is subject to sales tax. If you buy a part for $50 and pay $150 in labor, the entire $200 is taxed.
Some services are not taxed: legal services, medical and dental services, and financial services like accounting are generally not subject to sales tax. Membership fees for gyms, clubs, or organizations are not taxed. Utilities like electricity and water are not taxed.
How local tax rates break down by region
Northern Virginia counties and cities tend to have higher local tax rates. Arlington County, Alexandria, and Falls Church are among the highest in the state. The Northern Virginia region generally ranges from 5.3% to 5.75%.
Central Virginia, including the Richmond area, typically has rates between 5.3% and 5.7%. The Charlottesville area and surrounding counties fall in this range as well.
Southwest and Southside Virginia generally have rates at or near the state minimum of 5.3%, though some localities have added small local taxes. The exact rate still varies by specific city or county, so checking your locality is the only way to know for certain.
Sales tax on online and mail orders
Online retailers are required to collect and send Virginia sales tax if they have a physical presence in the state or meet certain sales thresholds. The tax rate applied is based on where the order ships to, not where you live or where the company is based.
If you order something online to be shipped to your home in Virginia, Virginia sales tax applies. If you order something to be shipped out of state, Virginia tax does not apply. Some online sellers may not collect tax correctly, but you are not responsible for tracking this down — the seller is responsible for collecting and remitting the correct amount.
Mail orders and phone orders follow the same rule: tax is based on the delivery address in Virginia. If you call a store in another state and have something mailed to you in Virginia, Virginia tax applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on clothing and shoes?
Yes. Virginia taxes all clothing and footwear at the full rate, with no exceptions for items like children's clothes or basic necessities. A few states exempt clothing, but Virginia does not.
Is there sales tax on used items or secondhand purchases?
Sales tax applies to used items sold by businesses, including used cars, used furniture, and items sold in thrift stores. Private sales between individuals are not taxed. If you sell your car to a friend, no tax applies. If you sell it to a used car dealer or trade it in, tax applies to the sale price.
What about sales tax on vehicles?
Vehicle sales are taxed at the full rate based on the purchase price. The tax is collected at the time of sale by the dealer or private seller. When you register the vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles, you will need to show proof that tax was paid.
Do I owe sales tax if I buy something in another state and bring it to Virginia?
No. Sales tax is paid where the purchase occurs. If you buy something in North Carolina and bring it home to Virginia, you pay North Carolina tax (or no tax, depending on the item). You do not owe Virginia tax on items you already purchased elsewhere.
Is there a sales tax holiday in Virginia?
Virginia does not have a permanent statewide sales tax holiday. The state legislature occasionally passes temporary tax holidays for specific items or dates, but these are not regular annual events. Check the Department of Taxation website if you think a holiday might be in effect.