Nevada has a sales tax, and it applies to most purchases
Nevada charges sales tax on retail goods and many services. The state sales tax rate is 6.85%, but the total tax you pay depends on where you buy — counties and cities add their own local taxes on top of the state rate. In Las Vegas (Clark County), the combined rate is 8.375%. In Reno (Washoe County), it is 8.235%. Rural counties have lower combined rates, sometimes as low as 7.375%.
The seller collects the tax at the point of sale and sends it to the state and local tax authorities. You do not file a separate form or claim it back — the tax is included in the final price you see at checkout, whether you are buying in a store or online.
Key Takeaways
- Nevada's state sales tax is 6.85%, but your actual tax rate depends on your county and city, ranging from about 7.375% to 8.375%.
- Groceries, prescription medications, and medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Nevada.
- Online purchases from out-of-state sellers are subject to Nevada sales tax if the seller has a physical presence or meets economic nexus thresholds.
- Restaurants, bars, and prepared food are taxed at the full rate, but unprepared food from grocery stores is not.
What is taxed and what is not
Most retail goods are taxed, including clothing, electronics, furniture, and household items. Services like haircuts, car repairs, and plumbing are also taxed. However, certain categories are exempt or taxed differently.
Exempt items include unprepared groceries (raw meat, vegetables, bread, milk), prescription medications, medical devices prescribed by a doctor, and prosthetics. Diapers and feminine hygiene products are also exempt. If you buy a prepared meal at a restaurant or deli counter, that is taxed. If you buy the same ingredients raw from the grocery store, they are not.
Services that are not taxed include medical and dental services, haircuts and salon services, and labor-only repairs (though parts may be taxed). Legal services and accounting services are also exempt.
How local taxes change your total rate
Nevada allows counties and cities to add their own sales taxes on top of the 6.85% state rate. This means the tax you pay varies by location. Clark County (Las Vegas area) has a combined rate of 8.375%. Washoe County (Reno area) has 8.235%. Some rural counties have rates closer to 7.375%.
When you make a purchase, the seller applies the tax rate for the location where the sale occurs — not where you live. If you buy something in Las Vegas, you pay the Las Vegas rate, even if you live in a different county. Online retailers apply the tax rate based on the shipping address.
Online purchases and out-of-state sellers
If you order from an out-of-state online retailer, Nevada sales tax still applies if the seller meets certain conditions. Large retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target have physical operations in Nevada or meet federal economic nexus thresholds, so they collect Nevada sales tax on orders shipped to Nevada addresses.
Smaller out-of-state sellers may not collect Nevada sales tax at checkout. In that case, Nevada law technically requires you to pay "use tax" on the purchase — a tax equal to the sales tax rate. In practice, most individuals do not report use tax on personal purchases, and the state does not pursue individual consumers for it. However, businesses are expected to track and report use tax on business purchases.
Who does not pay sales tax
Certain buyers are exempt from paying sales tax on specific purchases. Nonprofits with a valid exemption certificate do not pay tax on purchases for their organization's use. Resellers — businesses that buy goods to resell — do not pay sales tax on inventory if they provide a resale certificate to the seller.
Native American tribes have limited exemptions on purchases made on tribal land, though the rules are complex and vary by transaction type. If you are unsure whether a specific purchase qualifies, contact the Nevada Department of Taxation.
Sales tax on vehicles and large purchases
When you buy a car in Nevada, sales tax applies to the purchase price. The rate is the combined state and local rate for the county where the sale occurs. If you trade in a vehicle, the tax is calculated on the net price (sale price minus trade-in value), not the full sale price.
If you buy a vehicle out of state and bring it to Nevada, you may owe use tax on it. However, if you already paid sales tax in another state, Nevada gives you a credit for that tax, so you only pay the difference if Nevada's rate is higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Nevada?
No, unprepared groceries are exempt. This includes raw meat, produce, bread, milk, eggs, and canned goods. Prepared foods from a deli counter, restaurant, or bakery are taxed at the full rate.
What is the sales tax rate in my county?
Nevada's state rate is 6.85%. Your total rate depends on your county and city. Clark County (Las Vegas) is 8.375%. Washoe County (Reno) is 8.235%. Contact your county assessor's office or the Nevada Department of Taxation for your exact local rate.
Do I have to pay sales tax on online orders?
Yes, if the seller has a physical presence in Nevada or meets federal economic nexus rules, they must collect Nevada sales tax. Most large retailers do. Smaller sellers may not, but Nevada law requires you to pay use tax on those purchases, though enforcement on individuals is rare.
Is sales tax included in the price shown online?
No. Most online retailers show the pre-tax price and add sales tax at checkout based on your shipping address. The final price you pay includes the tax.
Can I get a refund of sales tax I paid?
Generally, no. Sales tax is a final transaction tax. If you return an item and receive a refund, the sales tax is refunded as part of that refund. If you overpaid tax due to an error, contact the retailer first; if they cannot resolve it, contact the Nevada Department of Taxation.