Disclaimer: All rates and figures on this page are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, or legal advice. Sales tax rates change and vary by city, county, and the type of item purchased. Verify current rates with the Alabama Department of Revenue before relying on these figures, and consult a qualified tax professional for specific guidance.
Calculate sales tax on any purchase in Alabama. The state sales tax rate is 4%, and when combined with the average local rate of 5.24%, the total average in Alabama comes to 9.24%. Actual rates vary by city and county.
Alabama Sales Tax Rates
- State Rate
- 4%
- Avg Local Rate
- 5.24%
- Combined Average
- 9.24%
Quick Reference
Alabama allows a full deduction of federal income taxes paid on state returns.
State income tax: 5% top rate
Alabama Sales Tax Table
Quick reference for common purchase amounts at the 9.24% combined average rate:
| Purchase Price | Sales Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.92 | $10.92 |
| $25 | $2.31 | $27.31 |
| $50 | $4.62 | $54.62 |
| $100 | $9.24 | $109.24 |
| $250 | $23.10 | $273.10 |
| $500 | $46.20 | $546.20 |
| $1,000 | $92.40 | $1092.40 |
| $2,500 | $231.00 | $2731.00 |
| $5,000 | $462.00 | $5462.00 |
How Alabama Sales Tax Works
Sales tax in Alabama is collected at the point of sale on most tangible goods and some services. The state portion of 4% is uniform statewide, while local jurisdictions may add their own rates, averaging 5.24% across the state. Certain items like groceries and prescription medications may be exempt or taxed at reduced rates.
When budgeting in Alabama, remember that sales tax affects your purchasing power. With a median home value of $179,500 and a property tax rate of 0.4%, understanding all taxes helps you make informed financial decisions.
Alabama Sales Tax vs. the National Picture
At 9.24% combined (state plus average local), Alabama's sales tax ranks 5th-highest nationally — above the national median of 7%.
Local governments drive the bill in Alabama: cities and counties add an average of 5.24% on top of the 4% state rate, so where you shop matters more than the state rate itself.
Combined state-plus-local averages nearby: Florida (7.02%); Georgia (7.37%); Mississippi (7.07%); Tennessee (9.55%). Florida has the lowest nearby rate at 7.02%.