California sales tax rules
Quick answer
California charges a 7.25% statewide sales tax, plus local county, city and district add-ons. What gets taxed matters as much as the rate: below is how California treats each category that commonly changes a receipt total.
Direct answers
Each answer has its own page with the full rule and exceptions.
Is there sales tax on groceries in California?
No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from California state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
Is clothing taxed in California?
Yes. Clothing is fully taxable in California at the combined state and local rate.
Is shipping taxable in California?
It depends on how you invoice it. In California, separately stated delivery is generally exempt, while bundled shipping-and-handling is taxable.
Do I have to charge sales tax for online sales in California?
Only after you cross economic nexus. Once you exceed $500,000 in sales into California over 12 months, you must register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and charge the buyer's destination rate.
Does California have a tax-free weekend?
No. California does not run a recurring sales tax holiday. Purchases are taxed at the normal combined rate year-round, currently 7.75%–10.25% across covered California metros.
California rates by city
Combined state, county, city and district rates.
- Los Angeles9.5%
- San Diego7.75%
- San Jose9.375%
- San Francisco8.625%
- Fresno8.35%
- Sacramento8.75%
- Long Beach10.25%
- Oakland10.25%
- Bakersfield8.25%
- Anaheim7.75%
- Riverside8.75%