Nevada charges a base sales tax of 6.85 percent, plus local taxes that vary by county
Nevada's state sales tax is 6.85 percent. When you buy something in a store or online, that rate applies statewide. However, most Nevada counties add their own local sales tax on top of the state rate, so your total tax depends on where you live or where you make the purchase. Clark County (Las Vegas) adds 1.5 percent, Washoe County (Reno) adds 1.15 percent, and other counties range from 0.375 to 1.5 percent. The total you pay at checkout combines both the state and local portions.
Nevada has no income tax, which is why the state relies more heavily on sales tax than many other states do. This means the sales tax rate is higher than you might see elsewhere, but you keep more of your paycheck.
Key Takeaways
- Nevada's base state sales tax is 6.85 percent, and your county adds a local tax on top of that amount.
- Total sales tax ranges from 7.225 percent to 8.35 percent depending on which county you are in.
- Food bought at a grocery store is taxed at a lower rate (2 percent state tax) than other purchases.
- Nevada has no state income tax, so sales tax is the primary way the state funds schools and services.
How local taxes stack on top of the state rate
When you make a purchase, the cashier or checkout system applies both the state tax and the local county tax. You do not pay them separately — they combine into one total. A $100 purchase in Las Vegas costs $101.50 in sales tax (6.85 percent state plus 1.5 percent Clark County local). The same $100 purchase in Reno costs $107.00 in sales tax (6.85 percent state plus 1.15 percent Washoe County local).
The local portion goes to the county or city where the sale happens, not where you live. If you live in one county but shop in another, you pay that other county's local rate. Online purchases are taxed based on the seller's location or, in some cases, the buyer's address — the rules depend on the retailer's setup and Nevada law.
What items are taxed differently
Most goods and services in Nevada are subject to the full sales tax rate. However, food purchased at a grocery store is taxed at only 2 percent state tax (plus the local county tax). This applies to items like milk, bread, vegetables, and meat — things you buy to cook at home. Restaurant meals, prepared foods, and food bought at a gas station or convenience store are taxed at the full rate.
Prescription medications are not taxed. Over-the-counter drugs and vitamins are taxed at the full rate. Clothing and shoes are taxed at the full rate. Services like haircuts, repairs, and professional fees are generally taxed, though some services have exemptions depending on the type of work.
County-by-county sales tax rates
| County | Local Tax Rate | Total with State Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Carson City | 1.5% | 8.35% |
| Churchill County | 0.375% | 7.225% |
| Clark County (Las Vegas) | 1.5% | 8.35% |
| Douglas County | 1.15% | 8.0% |
| Elko County | 0.375% | 7.225% |
| Esmeralda County | 0.375% | 7.225% |
| Eureka County | 0.375% | 7.225% |
| Humboldt County | 0.375% | 7.225% |
| Lander County | 0.375% | 7.225% |
| Lincoln County | 0.375% | 7.225% |
| Lyon County | 1.15% | 8.0% |
| Mineral County | 0.375% | 7.225% |
| Nye County | 0.375% | 7.225% |
| Pershing County | 0.375% | 7.225% |
| Storey County | 1.15% | 8.0% |
| Washoe County (Reno) | 1.15% | 8.0% |
| White Pine County | 0.375% | 7.225% |
The rates shown above are current as of this writing, but local tax rates can change. If you need the exact rate for a specific county or city, contact the Nevada Department of Taxation or the county assessor's office directly.
Why Nevada has no income tax
Nevada is one of nine states with no state income tax. This means you do not pay a percentage of your wages to the state, and businesses do not pay corporate income tax either. The state instead funds schools, roads, and services through sales tax, gaming tax, and other revenue sources.
The trade-off is that sales tax is higher in Nevada than in many states with income tax. If you earn a high income, Nevada's lack of income tax saves you money. If you spend a lot, the higher sales tax costs you more. The overall tax burden depends on your personal situation.
How sales tax applies to online and out-of-state purchases
Online retailers are required to charge Nevada sales tax on purchases shipped to a Nevada address. This applies whether the retailer is based in Nevada or elsewhere. The tax rate depends on the county where the item is being delivered.
If you order something from out of state and it is shipped to Nevada, Nevada sales tax applies. If you travel out of state and buy something there, you pay that state's sales tax at the time of purchase. You do not owe Nevada sales tax on items you bring back home — the tax was already paid where you bought it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is clothing taxed in Nevada?
Yes, clothing and shoes are subject to the full Nevada sales tax rate. There is no clothing exemption in Nevada, unlike some other states.
Do I pay sales tax on groceries?
Groceries purchased at a supermarket are taxed at 2 percent state tax (plus your county's local tax), which is lower than the full rate. Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed at the full rate.
What is the sales tax rate in Las Vegas?
The total sales tax in Las Vegas (Clark County) is 8.35 percent: 6.85 percent state tax plus 1.5 percent local tax.
Do I have to pay sales tax on items I buy online?
Yes, if the item is shipped to a Nevada address, Nevada sales tax applies. The rate depends on your county. Most major online retailers now charge this tax automatically at checkout.
Why does Nevada have such a high sales tax?
Nevada has no state income tax, so the state relies on sales tax and other sources to fund schools and services. This means the sales tax rate is higher than in states that collect income tax.