Free Idaho Sales Tax Calculator
Idaho Sales Tax Calculator
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How to Use the Idaho Sales Tax Calculator
Our Idaho Sales Tax Calculator is designed to be user-friendly and provide you with accurate sales tax calculations quickly. Follow these simple steps:
Enter the Purchase Amount: In the field labeled “Purchase Amount ($),” enter the total dollar amount of your purchase before sales tax. Make sure to enter the amount as a number, and you can include cents (e.g., 25.50, 100, 500.75). Do not include dollar signs or commas.
Choose Your Search Method: You have two options for determining the correct sales tax rate:
Search by ZIP Code: This is the most precise method, as sales tax rates can vary within a region. Select the radio button next to “Search by ZIP Code.”
Search by Tax Region: If you don’t know the exact ZIP code, you can select the general tax region where the purchase was made. Select the radio button next to “Search by Tax Region.”
Select Your Location:
If you chose “Search by ZIP Code”: A dropdown menu labeled “Select ZIP Code” will appear. Click on the dropdown and choose the ZIP code where the purchase was made. The list is sorted numerically for easy navigation. The corresponding tax region is shown in parentheses next to the ZIP code to help you confirm your selection.
If you chose “Search by Tax Region”: A dropdown menu labeled “Select Tax Region” will appear. Click on the dropdown and select the appropriate tax region. The regions are sorted alphabetically.
Click “Calculate Sales Tax”: Once you’ve entered the purchase amount and selected your location using your chosen search method, click the blue “Calculate Sales Tax” button.
View Your Results: The calculator will instantly display the following information in the “Result” section:
- Tax Rate: The combined state and local sales tax rate for the selected ZIP code or tax region, expressed as a percentage.
- Sales Tax: The calculated amount of sales tax due on your purchase.
- Total Amount: The total cost of your purchase, including the sales tax.
Example
Let’s say you’re buying a new pair of shoes for $75 in Boise, Idaho (ZIP code 83701).
- Enter
75in the “Purchase Amount ($)” field. - Select the “Search by ZIP Code” radio button.
- Choose
83701 (BOISE)from the “Select ZIP Code” dropdown. - Click the “Calculate Sales Tax” button.
The results will show you the tax rate, the calculated sales tax amount, and the total cost of the shoes.
Tips for Accurate Calculations
- Use the Correct ZIP Code: Sales tax rates can vary even within the same city. Using the correct ZIP code is crucial for accurate calculations.
- Verify Tax Rates: While we strive to keep our data up-to-date, tax rates can change. For critical calculations, it’s always a good idea to verify the tax rate with the Idaho State Tax Commission or a qualified tax professional.
- Clear Results: If you want to perform another calculation, simply enter a new purchase amount and select the appropriate location. The previous results will be automatically updated.
Sales and Use Taxes in Idaho
Idaho, like many states, levies both sales and use taxes. Understanding the difference and how they apply to your purchases is important. Here’s a basic guide:
What are Sales and Use Taxes?
Both sales and use taxes are levied on the sale of tangible personal property (goods) and certain services, unless a specific exemption applies. Think of it this way: sales tax is collected by the seller at the point of purchase, while use tax is paid by the buyer directly to the state.
Tax Rates
The current sales tax rate in Idaho is 6%. The use tax rate is also 6%.
Sales Tax Basics
Sales tax applies to every retail sale in Idaho, unless an exemption is in place. Common examples of transactions subject to sales tax include:
- Tangible Personal Property: The sale, lease, or rental of physical goods (e.g., clothing, electronics, furniture).
- Digital Goods: Digital books, videos, music, and games where the buyer has permanent rights to use them.
- Short-Term Accommodations: Rentals of lodging for 30 days or less (hotels, motels, vacation rentals).
- Food and Beverages: Furnishing meals and drinks (restaurants, cafes).
- Admissions: Entry fees to events or places of amusement in Idaho (concerts, sporting events, theme parks).
- Recreational Privileges: The right to use personal property or facilities for recreation (e.g., golf courses, gyms).
- Certain Labor: Production, fabrication, printing, or imprinting labor.
Use Tax Basics
Use tax is designed to ensure that Idaho residents pay the correct amount of tax on purchases made outside of Idaho where sales tax may not have been collected or collected at a lower rate. Use tax applies when:
- No Sales Tax Charged: The seller did not charge Idaho sales tax on the purchase.
- Insufficient Sales Tax Paid: The buyer paid less than 6% sales tax (for example, on goods purchased in another state with a lower tax rate).
- Online Purchases: You bought something online and were not charged the full 6% Idaho sales tax.
- Exemption Changes: The purchase was initially exempt from sales tax, but the way the goods are used no longer qualifies for the exemption.
Essentially, use tax is a “catch-up” mechanism. If you didn’t pay the full 6% Idaho sales tax at the time of purchase, you are responsible for paying the difference as use tax. This often applies to online purchases or items bought in other states.
Idaho Taxable Purchase Price
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Freight-in to the retailer | Fees charged for shipping goods to the retailer, who then passes the charges to the buyer. |
| Manufacturer’s or importer’s excise tax | Federal taxes charged to the retailer before the retail sale, but may still appear separately on the invoice. |
| Example | Taxes on cars, gasoline, beer, wine, and cigarettes. |
| Certain services the seller performs as part of the sale | Includes services such as assembling an item for a fee or clothing alterations charged at the time of sale. |
| Certain fees | Includes specific surcharges or fees related to payment or environmental charges. |
| Example | Fees for paying with a credit card, debit card, or gift card; Environmental or disposal fees (except government-imposed fees). |
| Fuel surcharges | Charges not directly tied to delivery services. |
Data Retrieved From: https://tax.idaho.gov/
Not in the Taxable Purchase Price
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Shipping and handling | Charges for shipping goods directly to the buyer are not taxable. |
| Installation labor | Labor costs for installing an item, such as mounting a television in a home at the time of sale. |
| Repair labor | Labor costs for repairing goods, such as fixing a customer’s television, are not taxable. |
| Parts used in repairs | Parts used for repairs are taxable, but labor for installing parts isn’t (e.g., replacing parts in a car after its sale). |
| Insurance charges | Optional insurance charges on rented or sold goods are not taxable. |
| Certain interest charges | Interest, carrying charges, service charges, or financing fees on goods sold. |
| Note | Special rules apply to interest, service, and financing charges on leases. |
| U.S. federal excise taxes | Excise taxes charged to customers at the time of retail sale, separately stated on invoices. |
| Example | New, large tractor-trailer units. |
| Trade-in allowances | Trade-in credits on merchandise reduce the taxable purchase price. |
| Example | If a buyer trades in an old range for $250 credit against an $800 purchase, only $550 is taxable. |
Taxable Purchase Price, Discounts & Rebates
| Type of Discount | How the Discount or Allowance Works | Reduces Taxable Purchase Price? |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer’s rebate | Reduction of the buyer’s cost that a third party offers. Valid only with proof of purchase. | No, except for motor vehicle rebates paid to the seller. |
| Retailer’s coupon | Electronic or paper coupon that the retailer issues without reimbursement. | Yes |
| Retailer’s trade discount | Discount given to preferred customers or specific industries (e.g., a lumber yard giving contractors a 3% discount). | Yes |
| Prompt-payment discount | Discount encouraging timely payment (e.g., 2% discount if paid within a specific timeframe). | No |
Data Retrieved From: https://tax.idaho.gov/
Idaho Sales and Use Tax: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers
This section provides a detailed overview of Idaho sales and use tax responsibilities for both buyers and sellers, including what is and isn’t included in the taxable purchase price.
For Buyers
As a buyer in Idaho, you are responsible for paying sales tax on all taxable goods you use or store within the state. This applies to purchases made in various ways:
- In-Person: Purchases made at brick-and-mortar stores.
- Out-of-State: Purchases made while physically located in another state.
- Online: Purchases made over the internet.
- Telephone: Purchases made via phone orders.
- Mail-Order Catalog: Purchases made from mail-order catalogs.
If you did not pay the correct amount of sales tax (or at least 6%) on taxable goods, and your purchase doesn’t qualify for a sales tax exemption, you owe use tax. This is especially common for online purchases or items bought out of state. For specific information on exemptions, see the Idaho State Tax Commission’s resources on Sales Tax Exemptions. More information about use tax can be found in the dedicated “Use Tax” section of the state’s website.
For Sellers
If you sell goods or offer taxable services in Idaho, you generally have the following responsibilities:
- Obtain a Seller’s Permit: Almost all sellers must have a valid seller’s permit from the Idaho State Tax Commission.
- Collect Sales Tax: You are required to collect the correct amount of sales tax from your customers on taxable sales.
- File Returns: You must file regular sales and use tax returns with the Tax Commission, even if you had no sales during the reporting period.
- Remit Taxes: You must forward the collected sales tax to the Tax Commission according to the prescribed schedule.
For detailed information on seller’s permits, see the state’s guide on “Who Needs a Seller’s Permit.” More general information for sellers, including specific rules, permits, and exemptions, can be found in the “Sales and Use Taxes” section of the Idaho State Tax Commission’s website.
Occasional Sellers: If you only make a few sales per year, you might not need a seller’s permit. See the state’s information on “Occasional Sellers” for more details.
What's Included in the Taxable Purchase Price
Even if these items are listed separately on your invoice, they are still included in the taxable purchase price:
- Freight-In: Costs to ship goods to the retailer.
- Shipping Fees (to Retailer): Fees the retailer pays to receive goods, which are then passed on to you.
- Manufacturer/Importer Excise Tax: Taxes imposed on manufacturers or importers.
- Certain Federal Taxes: Federal taxes charged to the retailer before the retail sale (e.g., taxes on cars, gasoline, alcohol, and tobacco).
- Certain Services (Part of Sale): Services performed as part of the sale (e.g., assembly fees, clothing alterations at the time of purchase).
- Certain Fees/Surcharges: Credit/debit/gift card fees, environmental/disposal fees (except government-imposed ones), and fuel surcharges not tied to delivery.
What's Not Included in the Taxable Purchase Price
These items are not included in the taxable purchase price if they are separately stated on the invoice:
- Shipping and Handling (to Buyer): Charges to ship goods directly to the customer.
- Installation Labor: Labor to install items (e.g., installing a TV).
- Repair Labor: Labor to fix a customer’s property (parts used in repairs are taxable).
- Insurance Charges: Optional insurance on rented or sold goods.
- Certain Interest Charges: Interest, carrying charges, service charges, or financing charges on goods sold (special rules apply to leases – see “Renting and Leasing Tangible Personal Property”).
- Certain Federal Excise Taxes: Federal excise taxes charged to the customer at the time of the retail sale (e.g., on large tractor-trailer units).
- Trade-in Allowances: Value given for merchandise traded in towards a purchase (the traded-in item must be added to the seller’s inventory).
Idaho Sales and Use Tax Exemptions
In Idaho, all retail sales are subject to sales tax unless specifically exempted by Idaho or federal law. It’s crucial for both buyers and sellers to maintain accurate records of exempt sales, clearly explaining why sales tax wasn’t charged. Remember, restrictions may apply to any exemption, and if a sale is taxable but the buyer doesn’t pay sales tax to the seller, the buyer is liable for use tax (at the same rate as sales tax).
The Idaho State Tax Commission categorizes exemptions for different taxpayer groups:
- Individuals: (See specific exemptions below)
- Nonprofits and Other Organizations: (Information available on the Idaho State Tax Commission website)
- Schools: (Information available on the Idaho State Tax Commission website)
- Governments: (Information available on the Idaho State Tax Commission website)
- Businesses: (See specific exemptions below)
For more information, consult the Idaho State Tax Commission’s “Forms and Instructions” (search for “exemption”) and the “Types of Exemptions” list.
Types of Exemptions
| Category | Exemption Type | Requirements | Idaho Code & Sales Tax Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Aircraft | Buyer must submit a completed pdf Form ST-101. | Idaho Code § 63-3622GG, Sales Tax Rule 037 |
| Broadcast Equipment | Buyer must submit a completed pdf Form ST-101. | Idaho Code § 63-3622S, Sales Tax Rules 055, 133 | |
| B | Bullion, Coins, & Other Currency | No exemption certificate required. | Idaho Code §§ 63-3622V, 63-3622PP; Sales Tax Rule 039 |
| Clean Rooms | Buyer must submit a completed pdf Form ST-101. | Idaho Code §§ 63-3622NN, 63-3622RR | |
| C | Containers | Buyer must submit a completed pdf Form ST-101. | Idaho Code § 63-3622E, Sales Tax Rules 040, 084 |
| Contractors | Buyer must submit a completed Form ST-103C. | See Contractors Guide | |
| Computer Software | No certificate needed, but records must be kept. | Idaho Code § 36-3616(b), Sales Tax Rule 027 | |
| D | Data Centers | No exemption certificate required. | Idaho Code § 63-3622VV |
| F | Farming & Ranching | Buyer must submit a completed pdf Form ST-101. | Idaho Code § 63-3622D, Sales Tax Rules 079, 083 |
| Federal Food Programs (WIC & SNAP) | No certificate required, but sellers must keep records. | Idaho Code §§ 63-3622EE, 63-3622FF; Sales Tax Rule 114 | |
| Funeral Services | Buyer must submit a completed pdf Form ST-101. | Idaho Code § 63-3622U, Sales Tax Rule 052 | |
| H | Heating Materials | Propane sales in cylinders of 15 gallons or less are exempt without a certificate, but sellers must list them as “cylinder sales.” Buyers picking up heating fuel must provide a completed Form ST-101. | Idaho Code § 63-3622G, Sales Tax Rule 088 |
| Home Yard Sales | No exemption certificate is needed. See guidance for more details. | Idaho Code § 63-3622K, Sales Tax Rule 097 | |
| Hunting or Shooting Sports | No exemption certificate is needed. | Idaho Code § 63-3622SS | |
| Hunting & Fishing – Raising or Maintaining Wildlife | Buyers must provide a completed pdf Form ST-101. | Idaho Code § 63-3622D | |
| I | Irrigation Equipment & Supplies | Buyers must provide a completed pdf Form ST-101. | Idaho Code § 63-3622W, Sales Tax Rules 016, 096 |
| L | Literature Published by Nonprofit Entities | Buyers must provide a completed pdf Form ST-101. | Idaho Code § 63-3622I, Sales Tax Rule 085 |
| Livestock Sold at Public Markets | No exemption certificate is required. | Idaho Code § 63-3622MM, Sales Tax Rule 134 | |
| Logging | Buyers must provide a completed pdf Form ST-101. | Idaho Code § 63-3622JJ, Sales Tax Rules 010, 102 | |
| Lottery | Buyers must provide a completed pdf Form ST-101. | Idaho Code § 67-7439 | |
| Lumber Manufacturing | Buyers must provide a completed pdf Form ST-101. | Idaho Code § 63-3622D, Sales Tax Rule 080 | |
| M | Media Measurement Services | No exemption certificate is needed. | Idaho Code § 63-3622LL |
| Medical Items | See Medical Products & Prescriptions guide. | Idaho Code § 63-3622N, Sales Tax Rule 100 | |
| Mining | Buyers must provide a completed pdf Form ST-101. | Idaho Code § 63-3622D, Sales Tax Rules 079, 081, 082 |
Data Retrieved From: https://tax.idaho.gov/
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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