Virginia charges a 5.3% sales tax on most goods, plus local taxes that vary by city or county

Virginia's state sales tax rate is 5.3%. When you buy something in a store or online, this percentage gets added to the price at checkout. On top of that, your city or county may add its own local sales tax — usually between 0.5% and 2.3% depending on where you live. So your total sales tax could range from 5.3% to 7.6% or higher, depending on your location.

The tax applies to most physical goods you buy — clothing, groceries, electronics, furniture. It does not apply to services like haircuts, car repairs, or plumbing work. Some items have special rules: groceries are taxed at a lower rate in Virginia, and certain medications and medical equipment are exempt entirely.

If you shop online, Virginia requires out-of-state sellers to collect and send in sales tax just like local stores do. This means you typically pay the same total tax whether you buy in person or online, though the seller handles the payment to the state rather than you seeing it added at checkout.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia's state sales tax is 5.3%, and your locality adds between 0.5% and 2.3% on top of that, making your total tax rate between 5.3% and 7.6% or higher.
  • Sales tax applies to most goods but not to services, and groceries are taxed at a lower rate than other items.
  • Online purchases from out-of-state sellers are subject to Virginia sales tax, collected by the seller at checkout.
  • Certain items like prescription medications, medical equipment, and some food products are partially or fully exempt from sales tax.

Local sales tax rates vary by county and city

Virginia does not have a single local tax rate across the state. Each city and county sets its own rate within limits set by state law. Northern Virginia counties like Fairfax and Arlington tend to have higher local rates, while rural areas often have lower ones. The difference between buying in one county versus a neighboring one can add up to 1% or more to your total tax bill.

You can find your exact local rate by entering your zip code on the Virginia Department of Tax website, or by asking a cashier at any store in your area. Many retailers display the combined rate on their receipts. If you live near a county line and make large purchases, knowing the rate difference can help you plan where to shop.

What items are taxed and what are not

Most physical products you buy are subject to sales tax: clothing, shoes, electronics, furniture, toys, books, and household goods all get taxed. Groceries are taxed, but at a lower rate than other goods — currently 2.5% instead of the full rate. This applies to food you take home to cook, not to restaurant meals.

Services are not taxed in Virginia. If you pay a plumber, electrician, hairdresser, or mechanic, there is no sales tax on that work. However, if you buy a product from them — like paint, parts, or shampoo — the product itself is taxed. Medical services and prescription medications are exempt from sales tax entirely. Certain medical devices and equipment prescribed by a doctor are also exempt.

Some items fall into gray areas. Prepared food from a deli or restaurant is taxed at the full rate. Alcohol and tobacco have their own special taxes on top of sales tax. Digital products like e-books, software, and streaming subscriptions are generally not subject to Virginia sales tax, though this can vary depending on how the seller classifies the product.

How sales tax works for online and mail orders

If you order from an out-of-state company online or by mail, Virginia law requires that seller to collect and send in sales tax based on your delivery address. This means you pay the same total tax as you would buying in a store in your area. The tax appears in your order total before you check out, so you see what you are paying.

Some very small sellers or marketplaces may not yet be collecting Virginia sales tax, though this is becoming less common. If you receive an order without tax charged and you live in Virginia, you are technically responsible for reporting and paying that tax yourself on your state income tax return — though most people do not. The state is gradually requiring more online sellers to collect the tax upfront.

Tax-exempt purchases and who qualifies

Certain organizations and people do not pay sales tax on their purchases. Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies can buy goods tax-free if they have a tax-exempt certificate from the state. Religious organizations also may have access to for exemption on items used for religious purposes. If you work for one of these organizations, you cannot use their exemption for personal purchases — the exemption applies only to purchases the organization makes for its own use.

Resellers — people who buy goods to resell them — do not pay sales tax on their inventory purchases. They provide the seller with a resale certificate instead, and they collect sales tax from their own customers. This prevents the same item from being taxed twice as it moves through the supply chain.

How to calculate what you will pay

To find your total sales tax, multiply the item price by your combined state and local tax rate. If you live in Richmond and buy a $100 item, you would multiply $100 by 0.063 (the combined 6.3% rate in Richmond) to get $6.30 in tax, for a total of $106.30. If you live in Arlington, the rate is higher at 7.625%, so the same $100 item would cost $107.63 total.

Most receipts show the tax amount separately, so you can see exactly how much tax you paid. Online retailers display the tax in your order summary before you complete your purchase. If you are budgeting for a large purchase, add your local tax rate to the listed price to know what you will actually pay.

Special situations and exceptions

Virginia offers a sales tax holiday in early August each year, typically lasting one week. During this period, clothing and school supplies under certain price limits are sold tax-free. The exact dates and item limits change each year, so check the Virginia Department of Tax website in July to see if the holiday is happening and what qualifies.

If you buy something and later return it, the store refunds the tax along with the purchase price. If you exchange an item for a different one, you pay tax only on the difference in price. Some stores have their own return policies that may be stricter than the tax rules, so check with the retailer about their specific process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Virginia tax groceries?

Yes, but at a lower rate. Groceries are taxed at 2.5% instead of the full state rate of 5.3%. This applies to food you buy at a grocery store to take home and cook. Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed at the full rate.

What is the sales tax rate in my city?

Virginia's state rate is 5.3%, and your city or county adds between 0.5% and 2.3% on top of that. Enter your zip code on the Virginia Department of Tax website to see your exact combined rate, or ask a cashier at any local store.

Do I pay sales tax on online purchases from other states?

Yes. Virginia requires out-of-state sellers to collect and send in sales tax based on your delivery address. You pay the same total tax as you would buying in a store in your area. The tax is included in your order total at checkout.

Are prescription medications taxed in Virginia?

No. Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax in Virginia. Some over-the-counter medications and medical devices prescribed by a doctor are also exempt, though not all. Check with the pharmacy if you are unsure about a specific item.

What happens during Virginia's sales tax holiday?

In early August each year, Virginia holds a one-week sales tax holiday on clothing and school supplies under certain price limits. The exact dates and item limits change yearly. Check the Virginia Department of Tax website in July for current details.