Sales Tax for Virginia (2026)
Virginia (VA) Key Facts
State Sales Tax Rate
5.3%
Has State Sales Tax
Yes
Local Taxes May Apply
Yes
Tax Type
Sales and use tax
How This Calculator Works in Virginia
This calculator estimates the Virginia sales tax on your purchase amount using the state rate of 5.3%. Enter your purchase price to see the tax amount and total cost.
Virginia Overview
Virginia has a two-tier sales tax system: 5.3% in most of the state and 6.3% in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regions, where the extra 1% funds transportation projects. Groceries are taxed at just 1%, and the state holds an annual back-to-school tax holiday in August covering clothing, supplies, and emergency preparedness items.
How Virginia Compares
Virginia's sales tax rate of 5.3% compares to Maryland at 6% and North Carolina at 4.75%. Combined with local rates, the effective sales tax burden varies by location.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 6% | Maryland has a sales tax rate of 6%. |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | North Carolina has a sales tax rate of 4.75%. |
| West Virginia | 6% | West Virginia has a sales tax rate of 6%. |
Virginia's sales tax rate of 5.3% compares to a national average of approximately 5.10%. This is above the national average.
Tips for Virginia Residents
- 1Virginia's general sales tax rate is 5.3%, but it's 6.3% in Northern Virginia (NOVA) and Hampton Roads regions due to additional regional taxes.
- 2Groceries are taxed at a reduced 1% rate in Virginia (state portion only — the general 5.3% rate does not apply to food).
- 3Virginia holds a back-to-school sales tax holiday in August for clothing, school supplies, and hurricane/emergency preparedness items.
- 4Prescription and non-prescription drugs are exempt from Virginia sales tax.
- 5The higher 6.3% rate in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads funds regional transportation projects.