Virginia Sales Tax Rate
Virginia's state rate is a 4.3 percent state portion plus a 1 percent local tax levied in every locality, and three regions raise the total above that: 6.3% in some southern localities, 6% in Central Virginia, Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia, and 7% in the Historic Triangle. Groceries carry only the 1 percent local tax, and cars pay a separate 4.15% tax at the DMV.
State rate
5.3%
Local add-on
0%–1.7%
Combined
5.3%–7%
The state rate already includes the 1 percent local tax every Virginia city and county levies, on top of the 4.3 percent state portion, so most of the state pays only the state rate. Three groups of localities add more: 6.3% in 8 localities including Charlotte County, Danville, Gloucester County, 6% in Central Virginia, Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia, and 7% in James City County, Williamsburg and York County. Virginia Tax publishes the localities in its rate table.
Work out the tax on a purchase
The calculator applies the state rate. Where local tax applies, add your local rate to get the figure that will appear on the receipt — the official lookup below gives the exact rate for an address.
Total Cost
$105.30
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $100.00 |
| State Tax Rate | 5.300% |
| Sales Tax | $5.30 |
| Total | $105.30 |
Virginia taxes groceries at a reduced rate of 1.000%.
Sales tax
Tax rate
Total cost
State-level base rates only. Many states allow cities and counties to add local sales taxes which are not included here. Check your local rate for exact calculations.
Edit inputs ↑What Virginia taxes, and what it doesn't
Groceries and hygiene products
Since the start of 2023, food purchased for human consumption and essential personal hygiene products carry no Virginia tax other than the local tax that every city and county levies, which is 1 percent. Essential hygiene products means diapers and other nondurable incontinence products and menstrual products. The exemption does not cover food sold by a retail establishment that earns more than 80 percent of its receipts from prepared food, or seeds and plants that produce food.
Cars
The DMV collects a 4.15% sales and use tax when a vehicle is titled after a sale or change of ownership. The amount due is the greater of that rate applied to the gross sales price and a minimum of $75. The gross sales price is the price after rebates and incentives, including the dealer processing fee, and it does not shrink for a trade-in credit or unpaid liens.
Vehicles titled from another state
A first-time Virginia title carries no sales and use tax if you hold a valid title or registration in your name from another state or a branch of the armed forces. If you bought the vehicle within the last 12 months, you must show proof that the tax was paid elsewhere.
Use tax on out-of-state purchases
Virginia levies a use tax on the use or consumption of tangible personal property in the state, and on property stored outside the state for use or consumption in it.
Virginia sales tax holiday
The 2026 holiday ran August 7-9, 2026. Covered: School supplies up to $20 per item; Clothing & footwear up to $100 per item; Portable generators (hurricane preparedness) up to $1,000 per item; Gas-powered chainsaws (hurricane preparedness) up to $350 per item; Other specified hurricane-preparedness items up to $60 per item; Energy Star & WaterSense products up to $2,500 per item. Virginia is the only state on this page to fold hurricane-preparedness gear and Energy Star/WaterSense products into the same weekend as back-to-school shopping.
Get the exact rate for an address
A statewide figure is a starting point, not a receipt. For the rate that actually applies to a specific address, use the state's own lookup — third-party rate tables disagree with each other and go stale between rate changes.
Compare with other states
Frequently asked questions
Does Virginia tax groceries?
Only at the 1 percent local rate. Since the start of 2023 the Code of Virginia imposes no tax on food purchased for human consumption or on essential personal hygiene products other than the local tax levied by every city and county. Food sold by an establishment that earns more than 80 percent of its receipts from prepared food is not covered by the exemption.
How much is sales tax on a car in Virginia?
The DMV collects 4.15% of the gross sales price when the vehicle is titled, with a minimum of $75. The gross sales price is the price after rebates and incentives and includes the dealer processing fee. A trade-in credit does not reduce it.
Why is the sales tax different in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads?
Virginia Tax's rate table lists 6% for Central Virginia, Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia, 6.3% for a group of southern localities and 7% for James City County, Williamsburg and York County. Everywhere else pays the state rate.
Do I owe Virginia tax on a car I already own from another state?
Not on a first Virginia title, if you hold a valid title or registration in your name from another state or a branch of the armed forces. If you bought the vehicle within the last 12 months, you must provide proof that the tax was paid elsewhere.
Sources
Related Calculators
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