Los Angeles County sales tax is 9.5%
The base sales tax rate in Los Angeles County is 9.5%. This rate applies to most retail purchases within the county's boundaries. The rate combines the California state sales tax (7.25%) with local additions that Los Angeles County and individual cities have imposed.
The exact rate you pay depends on which city or unincorporated area of Los Angeles County you are in. Some cities have added their own local sales tax on top of the county rate, which means certain neighborhoods pay slightly more than 9.5%. For example, the City of Los Angeles itself charges an additional 1.25% local tax, bringing the total to 10.75% in most of the city proper.
Sales tax is calculated on the sale price before any discounts are applied. The tax is added at checkout and is not included in the listed price of items in most stores.
Key Takeaways
- Los Angeles County's base sales tax rate is 9.5%, combining state and county taxes.
- The City of Los Angeles adds an additional 1.25% local tax, making the total 10.75% within city limits.
- Unincorporated areas and other cities in the county may have different rates depending on local tax ordinances.
- Sales tax is added to the purchase price at the register and is not included in the price tags you see in stores.
- Certain items like groceries, prescription medications, and medical devices are often exempt from sales tax.
How the 9.5% rate breaks down
The 9.5% Los Angeles County rate is made up of several layers. California's statewide sales tax is 7.25%. On top of that, Los Angeles County adds 0.25% for county operations. The remaining portion comes from local city taxes, which vary by location.
When you shop in the City of Los Angeles, you are paying the 9.5% county rate plus the city's additional 1.25%, totaling 10.75%. If you shop in an unincorporated area of the county or in a different city, the local portion may be different. Some smaller cities in Los Angeles County have lower local tax rates, while others may be the same or slightly higher.
This layered system means that a purchase made in downtown Los Angeles will have a different tax amount than the same purchase made in a neighboring city just outside city limits, even though both are in Los Angeles County.
What items are taxed and what are not
Most tangible goods — items you can touch and take home — are subject to sales tax in Los Angeles. This includes clothing, electronics, furniture, and household goods. Services are generally not taxed, though there are exceptions.
Some items are exempt from sales tax. Groceries and food for home consumption are not taxed. Prescription medications and certain medical devices are exempt. Diapers and feminine hygiene products became tax-exempt in California starting January 1, 2023. Items purchased for resale by a business with a valid resale certificate are also exempt.
Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed, even if you take them home. The distinction is between raw food you prepare yourself and food that has been prepared for you. Alcohol, tobacco, and gasoline are taxed at the standard rate, though gasoline also has excise taxes added by the state and federal government.
Where the 9.5% applies and where it does not
The 9.5% base rate applies throughout Los Angeles County, but the total rate you pay depends on your exact location. Within the City of Los Angeles, you pay 10.75%. In unincorporated areas of the county, you pay 9.5%. In incorporated cities like Santa Monica, Long Beach, or Pasadena, the rate may differ because those cities have their own local tax rates.
If you are unsure which rate applies to your location, you can check the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration website, which has a sales tax rate lookup tool. You enter your address or zip code, and it shows the exact rate for that location. This is useful if you live near a city boundary or are shopping in an area you are unfamiliar with.
Online purchases are also subject to Los Angeles sales tax if the seller has a physical presence in California or meets certain economic thresholds. The tax is based on the delivery address, not where the seller is located.
Changes to Los Angeles sales tax over time
Los Angeles sales tax rates have changed several times in recent decades. The City of Los Angeles added its 1.25% local tax in 2017 through Measure M, a transportation funding measure. Before that, the city's local rate was lower. County and state rates have also shifted as new taxes were approved or expired.
Tax rates can change when voters approve new local measures or when existing temporary taxes expire. It is worth checking the current rate for your specific location rather than relying on a rate you remember from the past, because changes do happen and they affect what you pay at checkout.
How to find the exact rate for your address
To find the precise sales tax rate for your location, use the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration's online lookup tool at cdtfa.ca.gov. Enter your street address or zip code, and the tool will show you the exact combined rate that applies there.
You can also contact the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs or your city's finance or tax department directly. They can confirm the rate and explain any recent changes. If you run a business or make frequent purchases, knowing your exact rate helps with budgeting and accounting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sales tax included in the price shown on store shelves?
No. Store prices do not include sales tax. The tax is calculated and added when you check out. This is why the final amount you pay is higher than the price tag you see.
Do I pay sales tax on online purchases shipped to Los Angeles?
Yes, if the seller has a physical presence in California or meets certain sales thresholds, they must charge sales tax based on your delivery address. Most major online retailers now charge California sales tax on orders shipped to Los Angeles.
Are groceries taxed in Los Angeles?
No. Unprepared groceries and food for home consumption are not subject to sales tax. This includes raw vegetables, meat, dairy, and bread. Prepared foods, restaurant meals, and items from a deli counter are taxed.
Why is the rate different in different parts of Los Angeles County?
Each city can add its own local sales tax on top of the state and county rates. The City of Los Angeles adds 1.25%, while other cities add different amounts or none at all. This is why rates vary by location even within the same county.
What is the sales tax rate in Santa Monica or Long Beach?
Santa Monica's rate is 10.25% and Long Beach's rate is 10.25%, both higher than the base county rate because those cities have added their own local taxes. Use the state's lookup tool to confirm the exact rate for any specific city.