Milwaukee County · Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI sales tax rate
Milwaukee's 2% city sales tax began in 2024 under 2023 Wisconsin Act 12 to address pension obligations — the first city sales tax in Wisconsin.
Quick answer
The combined sales tax rate in Milwaukee, WI is 7.9% as of January 1, 2026 — 5% state + 0.9% county + 2% city. On a $100 purchase that is $7.90 in tax, for a total of $107.90. Wisconsin's statewide base is 5%.
- Combined rate
- 7.9%
- State share
- 5%
- Local share
- 2.9%County + city + districts
- Tax on $100
- $7.90
Calculate Milwaukee sales tax
Pre-filled with the Milwaukee combined rate.
Sales tax calculator
The full combined rate of 7.9% applies to general merchandise.
Enter a pre-tax amount to see the tax due in Milwaukee, WI.
- Pre-tax
- $100
- Sales tax at 7.9%
- $7.90
- Total
- $107.90
Tax is rounded to the nearest cent on the full transaction, which is how most registers compute it. Line-item rounding can differ by a cent or two on long receipts.
Jurisdiction breakdown
Every layer that makes up the combined rate, and how much of the total each one contributes.
| Jurisdiction | Level | Rate | Share of total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin state | state | 5% | 63% |
| Milwaukee County | county | 0.9% | 11% |
| City of Milwaukee | city | 2% | 25% |
| Combined rate | 7.9% |
Milwaukee sales tax reference table
Tax due at 7.9% on common purchase amounts.
| Purchase | Sales tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.79 | $10.79 |
| $25 | $1.98 | $26.98 |
| $50 | $3.95 | $53.95 |
| $100 | $7.90 | $107.90 |
| $500 | $39.50 | $539.50 |
| $1,000 | $79.00 | $1079.00 |
| $5,000 | $395.00 | $5395.00 |
| $25,000 | $1975.00 | $26975.00 |
Reverse out sales tax
Enter a receipt total and we split the item price from the 7.9% tax collected.
Backing out 7.9% for Milwaukee, WI.
- Item price before tax
- $100
- Sales tax collected
- $7.90
What this rate applies to
Wisconsin publishes the taxable base separately from the rate. Groceries, prescription drugs, clothing and services are treated differently state to state, and several categories in Wisconsin are taxed at reduced rates or exempt entirely. Milwaukee's 2% city sales tax began in 2024 under 2023 Wisconsin Act 12 to address pension obligations — the first city sales tax in Wisconsin. Check the Wisconsin Department of Revenue guidance for the category you are pricing before assuming 7.9% applies.
Milwaukee at a glance
- Population
- 561,385
- Median household income
- $51,056
- County
- Milwaukee County
- ZIP codes covered
- 12
Neighboring districts tax profiles
The closest covered jurisdictions by county and ZIP sectional centre, with the rate difference against this metro.
Compare Milwaukee with another metro
Side-by-side rate stacks and the dollar difference on a $1,000 purchase.
Cities near Milwaukee
Straight-line distance, estimated drive time and the rate charged there.
Download this metro's data
The Milwaukee jurisdiction stack, combined rate (7.9%), effective date and Census figures are published as open files. Free to use with attribution — no key, no signup.