Virginia Reverse Sales Tax Calculator
Virginia's state sales tax rate is 5.3%, with most counties and independent cities adding 1% on top, bringing the combined rate to 6% in most of the state. The Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regions have an additional 0.7% regional transportation tax, putting those areas at 6% as well. The statewide average is about 5.65% because some rural areas don't have the full local add-on.
If you're buying anything in Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Prince William), Richmond, Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News), or most other populated areas, the rate is 6%. The calculator defaults to the statewide average of 5.65%, but for most major purchases in Virginia, switch it to 6.0% for a precise result.
Current Virginia Sales Tax Rates
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| State rate | 5.30% |
| Average local rate | 0.35% |
| Average combined rate | 5.65% |
| Location | Combined Rate |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | 6.00% |
| Norfolk | 6.00% |
| Richmond | 6.00% |
| Fairfax County | 6.00% |
| Roanoke | 5.30% |
What's Taxable in Virginia
Virginia taxes most tangible goods. Groceries are taxed at a reduced 2.5% state rate (plus any local food tax). Prescription drugs are exempt. Virginia has a reduced rate for food and personal hygiene products. Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed at the full combined rate. Motor vehicles are subject to a 4.15% tax paid when the title is transferred.
Worked Example
You bought work supplies in Richmond. Total on the receipt: $74.89 at the standard Virginia rate of 6%.
$74.89 ÷ 1.06 = $70.65 (pre-tax price)
$74.89 − $70.65 = $4.24 (tax amount)
That's $4.24 in sales tax on a $70.65 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
Virginia Beach charges 6.0% combined — the 4.3% state rate plus 0.7% state transportation tax plus 1% Hampton Roads transportation tax. Most of the Hampton Roads region is at this same 6% combined rate. For most purchases in Virginia Beach, divide your total by 1.06 to find the pre-tax price.
Yes, but at a reduced rate. Grocery food (unprepared food for home consumption) is taxed at 2.5% state rate rather than the full 5.3%. Local taxes may also apply to food. Prepared food and restaurant meals are taxed at the full combined rate. Prescription drugs are fully exempt. Personal hygiene products also qualify for reduced rates in Virginia.
Most of Northern Virginia — Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, Prince William, Loudoun — charges 6.0% combined. This includes the standard state rate plus the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority levy. Falls Church and Manassas are also at 6.0%. Use 6% for any purchase in Northern Virginia.
For most of Virginia, divide your total by 1.06 (for the 6% rate). $74.89 ÷ 1.06 = $70.65 pre-tax. Tax = $74.89 − $70.65 = $4.24. For rural areas without the full local add-on, the rate may be 5.3% — divide by 1.053 instead. Use the custom rate field if your receipt shows a different rate.