Georgia's statewide sales tax rate is 4 percent
Georgia charges a 4 percent state sales tax on most goods and some services. However, the total tax you pay at checkout is usually higher because counties and cities add their own local sales taxes on top of the state rate. Your final tax rate depends on where you make the purchase.
The state rate itself has not changed since 1951. What varies is the local portion, which ranges from 1 percent to 4 percent depending on the county and municipality. A purchase in Atlanta, for example, is taxed at a different rate than the same purchase in a rural county.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's state sales tax is 4 percent, but your total tax rate includes county and local additions that range from 1 to 4 percent.
- Most goods are taxable, but groceries, prescription medications, and medical equipment are exempt from Georgia sales tax.
- Services like haircuts, repairs, and professional fees are generally not taxed in Georgia, though some specific services have exceptions.
- You can find your exact local rate by entering your address on the Georgia Department of Revenue website or asking a retailer in your area.
How local taxes stack on top of the state rate
When you buy something in Georgia, you pay the 4 percent state tax plus whatever your county and city have added. Fulton County adds 2.75 percent, for example, making the combined rate 6.75 percent before any city tax. DeKalb County adds 2.5 percent for a state-plus-county total of 6.5 percent. Some counties add as little as 1 percent.
Cities can layer on additional tax as well. Atlanta adds 1 percent to the Fulton County rate, bringing the total to 7.75 percent. Savannah adds 1.5 percent to Chatham County's rate. The variation is significant: a $100 purchase could cost you $5 in tax in one location and $8.75 in another.
The Georgia Department of Revenue publishes a complete list of county and city rates on its website. You can also call your county tax assessor's office or ask a cashier at any local business for the rate in your area.
What is exempt from Georgia sales tax
Groceries and food for home consumption are not taxed in Georgia. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and canned goods. Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed, but raw ingredients you buy to cook at home are not.
Prescription medications are exempt. Over-the-counter drugs like aspirin or cold medicine are taxed, but anything requiring a prescription is not. Medical equipment prescribed by a doctor—such as wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, or diabetic supplies—is also exempt.
Most services are not taxed in Georgia. Haircuts, car repairs, plumbing work, and professional fees from accountants or lawyers do not incur sales tax. However, some specific services do: laundry and dry cleaning are taxed, as are certain telecommunications services and hotel rooms.
Clothing and shoes are taxed in Georgia, unlike in some other states. Children's clothing is not exempt either.
Combined tax rates by major Georgia cities
| City/County | State Rate | Local Rate | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta (Fulton County) | 4% | 3.75% | 7.75% |
| Savannah (Chatham County) | 4% | 2.5% | 6.5% |
| Augusta (Richmond County) | 4% | 2% | 6% |
| Athens (Clarke County) | 4% | 2.5% | 6.5% |
| Macon (Bibb County) | 4% | 2.5% | 6.5% |
How to find your exact local sales tax rate
The fastest way is to visit the Georgia Department of Revenue website and use their sales tax rate lookup tool. You enter your street address, and the system returns your exact combined rate. This accounts for all state, county, and city taxes that apply to your location.
If you do not have internet access, call your county tax assessor's office. They can tell you the rate for your address in one or two minutes. You can also ask any business in your area—a grocery store, gas station, or pharmacy will know the local rate.
Sales tax on online purchases and shipping
Georgia requires online retailers to collect sales tax on purchases shipped to Georgia addresses, regardless of where the retailer is located. This applies to most major retailers. The tax rate charged is based on the delivery address, not where the seller is based.
Shipping charges themselves are generally not taxed in Georgia. However, if a retailer bundles shipping into the product price or charges a handling fee, that portion may be taxable depending on how it is structured. Most retailers handle this correctly, but it is worth checking your receipt if you have questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is clothing taxed in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia taxes clothing and shoes at the full sales tax rate. There is no exemption for children's clothing or any other apparel. This differs from states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey, which exempt clothing purchases.
Are groceries taxed in Georgia?
No. Food and groceries for home consumption are exempt from Georgia sales tax. This includes meat, produce, bread, dairy, and canned goods. Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed, but raw ingredients are not.
Do I pay sales tax on services like haircuts or car repairs?
Most services are not taxed in Georgia. Haircuts, auto repair, plumbing, and professional services do not incur sales tax. Exceptions include dry cleaning, laundry, and certain telecommunications services, which are taxed.
What if I buy something online from out of state?
If it ships to a Georgia address, Georgia sales tax applies. Major online retailers collect this tax at checkout. The rate is based on your delivery address, so you pay your local combined rate even if the seller is located elsewhere.
How often does Georgia change its sales tax rate?
The state rate of 4 percent has been in place since 1951 and does not change. Local rates can change, but this is rare and requires a county or city vote. Check the Georgia Department of Revenue website if you want to confirm the current rate in your area.