Free Virginia Sales Tax Calculator
Virginia Sales Tax Calculator
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Virginia Sales Tax Rates
| General Sales Tax Rate | In These Locations |
|---|---|
| 7% | James City County, Williamsburg, York County |
| 6.3% | Charlotte County, Danville, Gloucester County, Halifax County, Henry County, Northampton County, Patrick County, Pittsylvania County |
| 6% |
Central Virginia: Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico,
New Kent, Powhatan, Richmond City Hampton Roads: Chesapeake, Franklin City, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Southampton, Suffolk, Virginia Beach Northern Virginia: Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax City, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Loudoun, Manassas, Manassas Park, Prince William |
| 5.3% | Everywhere else |
Food & Personal Hygiene Items
| Category | Sales Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Statewide | 1% |
Data Retrieved From: https://www.tax.virginia.gov/
How to Use the Virginia Sales Tax Calculator
Our Virginia Sales Tax Calculator is designed to be user-friendly and provide accurate sales tax calculations for any location in Virginia. Follow these simple steps to get started:
Select ZIP Code (Optional)
- Start by selecting your ZIP code from the dropdown menu. This will automatically determine the applicable tax region and rates for your location. If you don’t know your ZIP code, you can proceed to the next step.
Select Tax Region (Optional)
- If you didn’t select a ZIP code, choose your tax region from the dropdown menu. This will narrow down the tax rates specific to your area.
Enter Purchase Amount
- Enter the total amount of your purchase in the designated field. Make sure to use a numerical value (e.g., 100.00) without any currency symbols.
Include Special Rate (Optional)
- Check the box labeled “Include Special Rate?” if you want to include any applicable special tax rates in the calculation. Special tax rates may apply in certain districts or for specific types of purchases.
Calculate Tax
- Once you have entered the necessary information, click the “Calculate Tax” button. The calculator will instantly process the data and display the results below.
Understanding the Results
The calculator will provide a detailed breakdown of the sales tax calculation, including:
- Location: The ZIP code or tax region you selected.
- State Rate: The state sales tax rate and the corresponding tax amount.
- County Rate: The county sales tax rate and the corresponding tax amount.
- City Rate: The city sales tax rate and the corresponding tax amount.
- Special Rate: The special tax rate and the corresponding tax amount (if applicable).
- Total Tax: The total amount of sales tax for your purchase.
- Total with Tax: The final price of your purchase, including sales tax.
Do You Need to Register to Collect Sales Tax in Virginia?
If you’re conducting business in Virginia and selling taxable goods or services, you might be required to register with the Virginia Tax Department to collect and remit sales tax. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements:
Who Needs to Register?
Generally, you must register for sales tax in Virginia if you meet the definition of a “dealer” and have “sufficient activity” in the state. This applies to businesses that:
- Sell, lease, distribute, or rent tangible personal property to customers in Virginia.
- Meet the definition of a “dealer” (i.e., regularly engage in the business of selling tangible personal property).
- Have nexus in Virginia, meaning you have a physical or economic presence in the state.
Types of Dealers:
- In-state Dealers: Businesses with a physical presence in Virginia, such as an office, warehouse, store, or similar location, must register as in-state dealers.
- Out-of-state Dealers: Businesses located outside of Virginia but with sufficient activity in the state must register as out-of-state dealers. This includes:
- Remote sellers or online retailers with over $100,000 in annual Virginia gross sales or 200+ transactions to Virginia customers.
- Marketplace facilitators with economic nexus in Virginia.
Marketplace Facilitators and Sellers:
- Marketplace Facilitators: Platforms like Amazon or Etsy that facilitate sales for third-party sellers must register to collect and pay sales tax on sales made through their platform.
- Marketplace Sellers: If you sell through a marketplace facilitator’s platform, you generally don’t need to collect sales tax on those sales, as the facilitator handles it. However, you may still need to register if you make sales outside the platform that exceed the economic nexus threshold.
How to Register:
- Register Online: You can register for sales tax online through the Virginia Tax Department’s website as either an in-state or out-of-state dealer.
- Log in to Existing Account: If you’re already registered with the Virginia Tax Department, log in to your Business Online Services account and add sales tax as a new tax type.
After Registration:
- You’ll receive a 15-digit sales tax account number and a Sales Tax Certificate of Registration (Form ST-4). Keep these in a safe place.
- Display your Sales Tax Certificate prominently at your registered business location.
Need a Copy of Your Certificate?
- Print a copy through your Business Online Services account.
- Enroll for an account if you don’t have one.
- Call Customer Services at 804.367.8037 to request a copy.
If you’re unsure whether you need to register for sales tax in Virginia, it’s best to contact the Virginia Tax Department or consult with a tax professional for guidance.
Sales Tax Rate for Food and Personal Hygiene Products
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax Rate | Sales of food for home consumption and certain essential personal hygiene products are taxed at the reduced rate of 1% throughout Virginia. |
| Food for Home Consumption | Most staple grocery items and cold prepared foods packaged for home consumption qualify for the reduced sales tax rate. |
Items that do not qualify:
|
|
| Vendors Not Eligible for Reduced Rate |
Certain vendors are presumed to sell food for immediate consumption and cannot charge the reduced rate, including:
|
| 80% Rule: Any retail establishment where food for immediate consumption makes up 80% or more of total sales cannot charge the reduced rate. Businesses selling motor fuels should include fuel sales in this calculation. | |
| Essential Personal Hygiene Products |
As of January 1, 2020, the following qualify for the reduced tax rate:
Nondurable incontinence products:
|
Feminine hygiene products:
|
|
| Filing and Paying | File and pay the tax on these items on your regular sales tax return. |
Data Retrieved From: https://www.tax.virginia.gov/
Virginia Sales Tax Exemptions
| Category | Exemption Type | Applicable Form |
|---|---|---|
| Government & Commodities | Government Purchases | ST-12 (unless federal credit card used) |
| Public Transit Authorities | ||
| Virginia Port Authority | ||
| VA Dept. for the Blind & Vision Impaired | ||
| Veterans Care Center Canteen | ||
| Soil & Water Conservation Districts | ||
| Government Flags | ||
| Election Documents | ||
| State Government Organizations | ||
| Art made by Prisoners | ||
| Utilities | ||
| Gold, Silver, Platinum Bullion/Coins | ||
| Property Sold in Local Correctional Facilities | ||
| Agricultural | Agricultural Materials & Equipment | ST-18, ST-11A |
| Commercial Watermen Materials & Equipment | ST-16 | |
| Forest Product Harvesting Materials & Equipment | ST-17 | |
| Agricultural Commodity Processing | ST-11 | |
| Feed Processing Materials & Equipment | ||
| Indoor, Closed, Controlled-Env. Ag. Facilities | ||
| Agricultural Product Consumed by Farmers | ||
| Ag. Produce/Eggs at Farmer's Markets/Stands | ||
| Commercial & Industrial | Industrial Materials for Production | ST-11, ST-11A |
| Research and Development | ST-11, ST-11A | |
| Pollution Control Equipment & Facilities | ST-11, ST-11A | |
| Data Center Equipment | ST-11A | |
| Semiconductor Manufacturing | ST-11B | |
| Semiconductor Wafers | ST-11B | |
| Temporary Storage by Contractors | ST-11A | |
| Railroad Common Carriers | ST-20, ST-11A | |
| Railroad Rolling Stock | ST-22 | |
| Ships and Vessels | ST-19 | |
| Airline Common Carriers | ST-20 | |
| Meals for Employees | ||
| Commercial Rental Laundries | ||
| Taxicab Parts | ST-20 | |
| Electrostatic Duplicators | ST-11 | |
| Natural Gas and Oil Well Materials | ST-11, ST-11A | |
| Brewing Supplies | ST-11 | |
| Spaceport Activities | ||
| Aircraft Parts | ST-20 | |
| Advanced Recycling | ST-11 | |
| Services | Professional, Insurance, Personal Services | |
| Installation and Repair | ||
| Transportation Charges | ||
| Clothing Alterations | ||
| Gift Wrapping (Nonprofits) | ||
| Computer Programs | ||
| Automobile Diagnostic Labor | ||
| Extended Stay Lodgings | ||
| Maintenance Contracts | ||
| Media | Lease of Audio/Video for Public Exhibition | ST-20 |
| Commercial Broadcasting Equipment | ST-20, ST-11A | |
| Periodicals | ||
| Printed Materials Distributed Outside VA | ST-10A | |
| Advertising | ST-10A | |
| Audiovisual Works Production | ST-20A | |
| Donated Education Materials | ||
| Medical | Prescription Drugs and Medical Supplies | ST-13 |
| Nonprescription Drugs | ||
| Durable Medical Equipment | ST-13 | |
| Dialysis Drugs and Supplies | ST-13 | |
| Motor Vehicle Equipment for Disabled | ST-10B, ST-13 | |
| Communication Equipment for Disabled | ST-13 | |
| Medical Products/Supplies (Medicaid) | ||
| Medicines/Drugs (Veterinarians) | ST-13 | |
| Miscellaneous | Residential Heating Fuels | ST-15 |
| Occasional Sales | ||
| Property for Future Taxable Leases | ST-10 | |
| Property Delivered Outside VA | ||
| Food Stamps and WIC | ||
| Out-of-State Nuclear Repair | ||
| School Lunches and Textbooks | ||
| Fabrication of Foodstuffs | ST-24 | |
| Gun Safes | ||
| Nonprofit | Nonprofit Organizations | NP-1 |
| Nonprofit Churches | ST-13A | |
| Goods Donated to Nonprofits/Gov. | ||
| Safety | Personal Protective Equipment (Expired) | ST-13T |
Data Retrieved From: https://www.tax.virginia.gov/
Sales Tax Requirements for Remote Sellers and Marketplace Facilitators
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Economic Nexus | A remote seller or marketplace facilitator must collect Virginia sales tax if they exceed $100,000 in annual gross retail sales or 200 or more transactions with Virginia customers. |
| Marketplace Facilitators | A business that facilitates sales for marketplace sellers through a physical or electronic marketplace. |
| Registration Requirement: If total sales exceed the nexus threshold, the facilitator must register and collect Virginia sales tax. | |
| Waiver Eligibility: Facilitators can apply for a waiver if all sellers are registered or if the seller has nexus and collecting tax would cause an undue burden. | |
| Remote Sellers | A seller that exceeds the nexus threshold but does not have a physical presence in Virginia. |
| Registration Requirement: If selling directly to Virginia customers outside of a marketplace, registration is required. | |
| Filing and Paying: Sales tax must be collected and remitted on all direct sales. Marketplace sales are handled by the facilitator. | |
| Marketplace Sellers | A seller that uses a marketplace facilitator’s platform to sell products. |
| Registration Requirement: Not required if all sales are through a facilitator. If also selling outside the marketplace and exceeding the nexus threshold, registration is required. | |
| Out-of-State Sellers: If only selling through a marketplace, they no longer need to collect tax but must update their sales tax registration accordingly. | |
| In-State Sellers: If selling both through a marketplace and directly, they must collect and remit tax on direct sales only. | |
| Filing and Paying | Marketplace facilitators must collect and remit sales tax for all sales unless a waiver applies. Remote sellers must collect and remit tax on direct sales only. |
| Waiver Process | Facilitators must register first, then submit a waiver request via secure email with a list of sellers, if applicable. |
| Businesses must use the "Marketplace Facilitator" topic in the email dropdown menu to submit the waiver request. |
Data Retrieved From: https://www.tax.virginia.gov
Sales Tax Exemptions and Exceptions in Virginia
While most sales of tangible personal property in Virginia are subject to sales tax, certain exemptions and exceptions may apply. Understanding these can help you determine when you need to collect sales tax and when you don’t.
Exemption Certificates
In many cases, to sell goods without charging sales tax, you’ll need to obtain a valid exemption certificate from the buyer. This certificate proves that the purchase qualifies for an exemption.
Sales-for-Resale Exemption
One of the most common exemptions is the sales-for-resale exemption. This prevents sales tax from being applied multiple times to the same item as it moves through the supply chain. The tax is only charged on the final sale to the end consumer.
Maintaining Records
If you make a sale without charging sales tax due to an exemption, you must keep a copy of the exemption certificate on file. This documentation proves that the sale was tax-exempt under Virginia law.
Finding Exemption Information
- Full List of Exemptions: The Virginia Tax Department provides a comprehensive list of sales tax exemptions on their website.
- Download Exemption Certificates: You can download various exemption certificates directly from the Virginia Tax Department’s website.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Specific exemptions are available for nonprofit organizations. Learn more about these on the Tax Department’s website.
- Cigarette Resale Exemption: To apply for a cigarette resale exemption certificate (Form ST-10C) or learn more about the process, visit the Cigarette Resale Exemption Certificates page on the Virginia Tax Department’s website.
Virginia Sales and Use Tax Dealer Lookup
To verify the validity of an exemption certificate, you can use the Virginia Sales and Use Tax Dealer Lookup tool. This online tool allows you to check if a business claiming an exemption is registered as a retail sales tax dealer in Virginia.
- Access the Tool: You can access the Dealer Lookup tool through your online business account with the Virginia Tax Department.
- Create an Account: If you don’t have an online account, you’ll need to create one to use the tool.
- Alternative Verification: You can also call Customer Services at 804.367.8037 to verify a dealer’s registration status.
Filing and Paying Virginia Sales Tax
Once you’re registered to collect sales tax in Virginia, you’ll need to file regular returns and remit the collected tax to the Virginia Tax Department. Here’s what you need to know:
Filing Frequency
- Monthly or Quarterly: Your filing frequency (monthly or quarterly) depends on your tax liability, which is determined by the Virginia Tax Department.
- Due Dates: Returns are due on the 20th of the month following the close of the filing period.
- Quarterly filing periods end on March 31st, June 30th, September 30th, and December 31st.
- File Even If No Tax is Due: You must file a return for each filing period, even if you didn’t collect any sales tax during that period.
- Changes to Filing Frequency: The Tax Department may change your filing frequency based on your tax liability. You’ll receive a notification letter if this happens.
How to File
- Electronic Filing: The Virginia Tax Department encourages electronic filing and payment of sales tax. There are several ways to do this, and details are available on their website.
- Electronic Filing Waiver: If you cannot file and pay electronically, you must submit an electronic filing waiver request to the Tax Department.
- Forms:
- In-state dealers: File Form ST-9 and collect sales tax based on the rate at your business location (point-of-sale).
- Out-of-state dealers: File Form ST-8 and collect sales tax based on the destination of the shipment or delivery (destination-based sales tax).
- Marketplace Facilitators: In-state marketplace facilitators who cannot associate an order with a physical place of business in Virginia may use destination-based sourcing to determine sales tax rates.
Dealer Discount
- Timely Filing Discount: If you file and pay your sales tax on time and in full, you can keep a small percentage of the tax collected as a dealer discount. This discount does not apply to the local portion of the tax.
Direct Payment Permit
- Eligibility: Businesses that store tangible personal property in Virginia for use both within and outside the state (e.g., manufacturers, contractors, mine operators) may be eligible for a Direct Payment Permit.
- How it Works: A Direct Payment Permit allows you to purchase goods without paying sales or use tax at the time of purchase. Instead, you agree to pay the tax due directly to the Virginia Tax Department and allocate the local tax appropriately.
- Apply for a Permit: Businesses meeting the requirements outlined in Va. Code § 58.1-624 can apply for a Direct Payment Permit through the Tax Commissioner.
- Filing: If approved, you’ll file Form ST-6 to report and pay your sales tax.
Penalty and Interest
- Late Filing/Payment Penalty: If you fail to file your return or pay the full amount of sales tax due by the due date, you may be subject to a penalty of 6% per month, up to a maximum of 30%. The minimum penalty for late filing is $10, even if no tax is owed.
- Interest: Interest accrues on unpaid tax at the federal underpayment rate plus 2%.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this webpage is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented here, the details may change over time or vary in different jurisdictions. Therefore, we do not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or absolute accuracy of this information. The information on this page should not be used as a basis for making legal, financial, or any other key decisions. We strongly advise consulting with a qualified professional or expert in the relevant field for specific advice, guidance, or services. By using this webpage, you acknowledge that the information is offered “as is” and that we are not liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the content, nor for any actions taken based on the information provided. We shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your access to, use of, or reliance on any content on this page.
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