Georgia Reverse Sales Tax Calculator
Georgia has a 4% state sales tax — one of the lower base rates in the country. But local jurisdictions layer on top of it, and the statewide average combined rate lands around 7.38%. In Atlanta and the surrounding metro area, rates can hit 8.9% depending on the specific county and municipality. If you're working on expense reports from a trip to Atlanta, the rate you need is almost certainly between 8% and 9%.
The calculator defaults to Georgia's average combined rate of 7.38%. For Atlanta, bump it up to 8.9%. For Augusta, Columbus, and Savannah, you'll typically be at 7–8%. Rural counties can be closer to 7%. When in doubt, check your receipt — the tax line is there, and you can back-calculate the rate from what you actually paid.
Current Georgia Sales Tax Rates
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| State rate | 4.00% |
| Average local rate | 3.38% |
| Average combined rate | 7.38% |
| Location | Combined Rate |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | 8.90% |
| Augusta | 8.00% |
| Columbus | 7.00% |
| Savannah | 7.00% |
| Macon | 8.00% |
What's Taxable in Georgia
Georgia taxes most tangible goods at the full combined rate. Groceries get a break: unprepared food is exempt from state sales tax, though local jurisdictions can still tax it. Prescription drugs are exempt. Motor vehicles are taxed differently through a title ad valorem tax rather than standard sales tax.
Worked Example
You bought office supplies in Atlanta for a work project. Total on the receipt: $247.83 at 8.9%.
$247.83 ÷ 1.089 = $227.58 (pre-tax price)
$247.83 − $227.58 = $20.25 (tax amount)
That's $20.25 in sales tax on a $227.58 purchase before tax. The main calculator handles this automatically — enter the total and select your rate, and the pre-tax price and tax amount appear instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Atlanta's combined rate is 8.9% — the 4% Georgia state rate plus a 4.9% local rate that includes Fulton County, the City of Atlanta, MARTA, and other special district levies. This can vary slightly by exact address within the metro area, so it's worth checking your receipt if you need precision.
Unprepared food (groceries) is exempt from Georgia's state sales tax. However, local jurisdictions may still apply their portion of the tax to food. Prepared food — restaurant meals, hot food from a deli counter — is taxable at the full combined rate. Prescription drugs are also exempt.
Divide your total by (1 + the rate as a decimal). For Atlanta at 8.9%: $247.83 ÷ 1.089 = $227.58 pre-tax. Tax amount = $247.83 − $227.58 = $20.25. For the average Georgia rate of 7.38%, divide by 1.0738. The calculator above handles this automatically once you enter the total and rate.
Georgia has periodically held a sales tax holiday, but its status changes year to year as the legislature has to renew it. When it does occur, it typically covers energy-efficient appliances and occasionally clothing. Check the Georgia Department of Revenue website for confirmed 2025 dates and eligible items.