Free Tennessee Sales Tax Calculator
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 Tennessee Department of Revenue before relying on these figures, and consult a qualified tax professional for specific guidance.
Calculate sales tax on any purchase in Tennessee. The state sales tax rate is 7%, and when combined with the average local rate of 2.55%, the total average in Tennessee comes to 9.55%. Actual rates vary by city and county.
Sales Tax Is How Tennessee Pays Its Bills
With no state income tax on wages, Tennessee leans on sales tax revenue more than most states — worth remembering when you compare its 9.55% combined rate with states that tax both paychecks and purchases.
At 9.55% combined (state plus average local), Tennessee's sales tax ranks 2nd-highest nationally — above the national median of 7%.
The 7% state rate does most of the work in Tennessee, with local jurisdictions adding an average of 2.55%.
Combined state-plus-local averages nearby: Alabama (9.24%); Arkansas (9.47%); Georgia (7.37%); Kentucky (6%); Mississippi (7.07%). Kentucky has the lowest nearby rate at 6%.
Tennessee Sales Tax Rates
- State Rate
- 7%
- Avg Local Rate
- 2.55%
- Combined Average
- 9.55%
Quick Reference
Tennessee has no income tax but one of the highest combined sales tax rates averaging over 9.5%.
State income tax: None
Tennessee Sales Tax Table
Quick reference for common purchase amounts at the 9.55% combined average rate:
| Purchase Price | Sales Tax | Total |
| $10 | $0.95 | $10.96 |
| $25 | $2.39 | $27.39 |
| $50 | $4.78 | $54.77 |
| $100 | $9.55 | $109.55 |
| $250 | $23.88 | $273.88 |
| $500 | $47.75 | $547.75 |
| $1,000 | $95.50 | $1095.50 |
| $2,500 | $238.75 | $2738.75 |
| $5,000 | $477.50 | $5477.50 |
Shopping in Tennessee: What Gets Taxed
Sales tax in Tennessee is collected at the point of sale on most tangible goods and some services. The state portion of 7% is uniform statewide, while local jurisdictions may add their own rates, averaging 2.55% across the state. Certain items like groceries and prescription medications may be exempt or taxed at reduced rates.
When budgeting in Tennessee, remember that sales tax affects your purchasing power. With a median home value of $275,800 and a property tax rate of 0.64%, understanding all taxes helps you make informed financial decisions.
Related Tennessee Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax rate in Tennessee? + −
The Tennessee state sales tax rate is 7%. With the average local sales tax of 2.55%, the combined rate is approximately 9.55%. Actual rates vary by city and county — some localities charge higher or lower local rates.
How do I calculate Tennessee sales tax on a purchase? + −
Multiply the pre-tax price by the applicable tax rate as a decimal. For example, on a $100 purchase at the combined 9.55% rate: $100 x 0.0955 = $9.55 in tax, for a total of $109.55. Our calculator handles this automatically for any amount.
Are groceries taxed in Tennessee? + −
Grocery taxation varies by state. In Tennessee, the rules depend on the type of food item. Generally, unprepared food for home consumption may be taxed at a reduced rate or exempt, while prepared meals and restaurant food are subject to the full 9.55% combined rate. Check your local jurisdiction for specific exemptions.
Does Tennessee charge sales tax on online purchases? + −
Yes. Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Tennessee requires out-of-state online retailers that meet economic nexus thresholds to collect and remit Tennessee sales tax. This means most online purchases are subject to the same 7% state rate plus applicable local taxes.
What items are exempt from Tennessee sales tax? + −
Common exemptions in most states include prescription medications, medical devices, and certain essential services. Tennessee may also exempt specific categories like clothing, agricultural supplies, or manufacturing equipment. During designated sales tax holidays, additional items may be temporarily exempt. Check Tennessee's Department of Revenue for the current exemption list.
How much do local governments add to Tennessee sales tax? + −
On average, cities and counties add 2.55% on top of the 7% state rate, bringing the typical combined rate to 9.55%. Your exact rate depends on where the purchase is made.
Is Tennessee a high sales tax state? + −
Tennessee's 9.55% combined average ranks 2nd-highest nationally, above the national median of 7%. Keep in mind Tennessee collects no state income tax on wages, so sales tax carries a larger share of the state's budget.
How does Tennessee sales tax compare with neighboring states? + −
Rates change the moment you cross a border. Combined state-plus-local averages for nearby states: Alabama (9.24%); Arkansas (9.47%); Georgia (7.37%); Kentucky (6%); Mississippi (7.07%) — versus 9.55% in Tennessee. Kentucky is the cheapest nearby option at 6%.
Other State Sales Tax Calculators
