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 Wisconsin Department of Revenue before relying on these figures, and consult a qualified tax professional for specific guidance.
Calculate sales tax on any purchase in Wisconsin. The state sales tax rate is 5%, and when combined with the average local rate of 0.72%, the total average in Wisconsin comes to 5.72%. Actual rates vary by city and county.
Wisconsin Sales Tax Rates
- State Rate
- 5%
- Avg Local Rate
- 0.72%
- Combined Average
- 5.72%
Quick Reference
Wisconsin has high income and property taxes but offers credits for low-income households.
State income tax: 7.65% top rate
Wisconsin Sales Tax Table
Quick reference for common purchase amounts at the 5.72% combined average rate:
| Purchase Price | Sales Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.57 | $10.57 |
| $25 | $1.43 | $26.43 |
| $50 | $2.86 | $52.86 |
| $100 | $5.72 | $105.72 |
| $250 | $14.30 | $264.30 |
| $500 | $28.60 | $528.60 |
| $1,000 | $57.20 | $1057.20 |
| $2,500 | $143.00 | $2643.00 |
| $5,000 | $286.00 | $5286.00 |
How Wisconsin Sales Tax Works
Sales tax in Wisconsin is collected at the point of sale on most tangible goods and some services. The state portion of 5% is uniform statewide, while local jurisdictions may add their own rates, averaging 0.72% across the state. Certain items like groceries and prescription medications may be exempt or taxed at reduced rates.
When budgeting in Wisconsin, remember that sales tax affects your purchasing power. With a median home value of $248,500 and a property tax rate of 1.61%, understanding all taxes helps you make informed financial decisions.
What Is and Is Not Taxed in Wisconsin
Unprepared groceries are exempt from Wisconsin state sales tax — candy, soft drinks and prepared food are taxable.
Prescription medicines are exempt in Wisconsin, as they are in every state that levies a sales tax; over-the-counter drugs and most medical supplies are treated separately and are frequently taxable.
Out-of-state sellers must register and collect Wisconsin tax once they cross the state's economic nexus threshold, a rule that follows from the 2018 Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair. Below that threshold, the buyer technically owes use tax instead.
Wisconsin Sales Tax vs. the National Picture
At 5.72% combined (state plus average local), Wisconsin's sales tax ranks 43rd-highest nationally — below the national median of 7%.
The 5% state rate does most of the work in Wisconsin, with local jurisdictions adding an average of 0.72%.
Combined state-plus-local averages nearby: Illinois (8.98%); Iowa (6.94%); Michigan (6%); Minnesota (8.135%). Michigan has the lowest nearby rate at 6%.