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 goods and services. On top of that, each county adds its own local sales tax. The total you pay depends on where you buy something — Clark County (Las Vegas) has a different rate than Washoe County (Reno), which differs from rural counties. Your receipt shows the combined rate.
The state rate of 6.85 percent has been in place since 2015. Before that, Nevada had no state sales tax at all. Counties began adding local taxes starting in 2009, so the total rate you see today is a combination of both layers.
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 depending on location.
- Clark County (Las Vegas area) has a combined rate of 8.375 percent; Washoe County (Reno area) has 8.375 percent; rural counties range from 7.375 to 8.375 percent.
- Groceries, prescription medications, and medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Nevada.
- Services like haircuts, repairs, and professional fees are generally not taxed, but labor charges tied to taxable goods sometimes are.
Combined sales tax rates by Nevada county
The rate you pay at checkout is the state rate plus the county rate where the sale happens. If you buy something in Las Vegas (Clark County), you pay 8.375 percent total. If you buy the same item in Reno (Washoe County), you also pay 8.375 percent. In smaller counties like Elko or Lander, the combined rate is 7.375 percent.
The county rate applies to the county where the business is located, not where you live. If you live in one county but drive to another to shop, you pay that county's rate. Online purchases are taxed based on where the seller is located or, in some cases, where the item ships to — this varies by retailer and the type of product.
| County | Local Rate | Combined Rate (State + Local) |
|---|---|---|
| Clark (Las Vegas) | 1.525% | 8.375% |
| Washoe (Reno) | 1.525% | 8.375% |
| Carson City | 1.525% | 8.375% |
| Douglas | 0.525% | 7.375% |
| Elko | 0.525% | 7.375% |
| Esmeralda | 0.525% | 7.375% |
| Eureka | 0.525% | 7.375% |
| Humboldt | 0.525% | 7.375% |
| Lander | 0.525% | 7.375% |
| Lincoln | 0.525% | 7.375% |
| Lyon | 0.525% | 7.375% |
| Mineral | 0.525% | 7.375% |
| Nye | 0.525% | 7.375% |
| Pershing | 0.525% | 7.375% |
| Storey | 0.525% | 7.375% |
| Washoe | 1.525% | 8.375% |
| White Pine | 0.525% | 7.375% |
What is and is not taxed in Nevada
Groceries are not taxed in Nevada. This includes food you buy at a supermarket or grocery store — bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and canned goods. However, prepared food and restaurant meals are taxed at the full rate. Hot food from a deli counter, takeout pizza, and coffee from a café all have sales tax added.
Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax. Over-the-counter medications like aspirin or cold medicine are taxed. Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, and diabetic supplies are not taxed if they are prescribed by a doctor. Clothing and shoes are taxed at the regular rate — Nevada does not have a clothing exemption.
Services are generally not taxed. A haircut, car repair, plumbing work, or dental cleaning does not have sales tax. However, if you buy a tangible product as part of that service — such as parts for a repair or products used during a salon visit — the product portion may be taxed. Labor alone is not taxed; the goods are.
How sales tax appears on your receipt
Your receipt shows the subtotal (the price before tax), the tax amount, and the final total. The tax line usually says "Sales Tax" or "Tax" and displays the dollar amount and the percentage rate. If you buy multiple items, some taxed and some not, the receipt breaks down which items were taxed.
The rate shown on your receipt is the combined state and local rate for that county. You do not see the state and local portions separated — just the total. If you need to know the breakdown for record-keeping or business purposes, you can contact the Nevada Department of Taxation or the county assessor's office.
Sales tax on online and mail orders
Nevada requires online retailers to collect sales tax on orders shipped to Nevada addresses. This applies whether the retailer is based in Nevada or out of state. Large retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target collect Nevada sales tax on most items. Smaller sellers may not, depending on their sales volume and nexus in the state.
If you order something online and the seller does not collect sales tax at checkout, you may owe use tax to Nevada. Use tax is a parallel tax on items you bring into the state or have delivered to you. Most people do not pay it voluntarily, but it is technically owed. The rate is the same as the sales tax rate for your county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Nevada?
No. Unprepared food like produce, meat, dairy, and canned goods are not taxed. Prepared food — restaurant meals, deli items, hot food — is taxed at the full rate. The distinction is whether the food is ready to eat when you buy it.
What is the sales tax rate in Las Vegas?
The combined sales tax rate in Clark County (Las Vegas) is 8.375 percent. This is the state rate of 6.85 percent plus the Clark County local rate of 1.525 percent.
Are clothes and shoes taxed in Nevada?
Yes. Nevada does not exempt clothing or shoes from sales tax. You pay the full combined rate on apparel, just as you do on other goods.
Do I owe tax on items I buy online from out-of-state sellers?
Most large online retailers now collect Nevada sales tax automatically. If a seller does not collect it, you technically owe use tax to Nevada at the same rate. Few people pay this voluntarily, but it remains a legal obligation.
Is sales tax added to prescription medications?
No. Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax in Nevada. Over-the-counter drugs like aspirin or cough syrup are taxed at the regular rate.