Nevada has a state sales tax of 6.85 percent, plus local taxes that vary by county
Nevada charges a state sales tax of 6.85 percent on most goods and some services. On top of that, each county adds its own local sales tax, which ranges from 0.75 percent to 1.5 percent depending on where you live. Your total sales tax bill is the state rate plus your county's rate combined.
The combined rate you actually pay at checkout depends on your location. In Clark County (Las Vegas), the local rate is 1.25 percent, making your total 8.1 percent. In Washoe County (Reno), it is 1.15 percent, for a total of 8 percent. Some smaller counties have lower local rates. When you buy something, the retailer charges you the combined rate for your county.
Nevada has no state income tax, which is why the state relies more heavily on sales tax than many other states do. This means sales tax is a bigger part of your overall tax burden here than it might be elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- Nevada's state sales tax is 6.85 percent, and your county adds between 0.75 and 1.5 percent on top of that.
- The total rate you pay at checkout is the combined state and local rate for your county.
- Groceries, prescription medications, and medical devices are exempt from sales tax in Nevada.
- Services like haircuts, repairs, and professional fees are generally not subject to sales tax unless they are bundled with taxable goods.
- Nevada has no state income tax, so sales tax is a larger revenue source for the state than in most other states.
What items are exempt from Nevada sales tax
Food for human consumption is exempt from Nevada sales tax. This includes groceries like bread, milk, vegetables, and meat. However, prepared food—meals at restaurants, deli items ready to eat, and hot food—is taxable. The line is whether the food is ready to eat or requires preparation at home.
Prescription medications and certain medical devices are also exempt. Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers and cold medicine are taxable, but prescription drugs are not. Medical equipment prescribed by a doctor, such as diabetic testing supplies or mobility aids, is generally exempt as well.
Clothing and footwear are exempt from Nevada sales tax, with no dollar limit. This applies to everyday clothing, shoes, and accessories. Items like hats, gloves, and belts are included. The exemption does not explore to items that are not worn on the body, such as handbags or luggage.
Services and what sales tax applies to them
Most services are not subject to Nevada sales tax on their own. A haircut, a plumbing repair, a dental cleaning, or an accountant's fee are not taxed. However, if a service is bundled with a taxable product, the entire charge may be taxable. For example, if a salon charges one price for a haircut and hair product together, the whole amount is taxed.
Labor and installation charges are generally not taxable unless they are part of a sale of tangible goods. If you hire someone to install flooring you purchased, the labor may not be taxed separately, but the flooring itself is. The way the invoice is written matters—if labor is listed separately, it is often not taxed, but if it is rolled into one price, the retailer may tax the whole amount.
Digital services and subscriptions vary. Streaming services, software subscriptions, and digital downloads are taxable in Nevada. Telecommunications services like cell phone plans and internet are also taxable.
How local county taxes affect your total rate
Nevada divides sales tax into state and local portions so that counties can fund local services. The state keeps the 6.85 percent, and the county keeps its portion. This means the rate you pay depends on which county you are in when you make the purchase, not where you live.
If you live in one county and shop in another, you pay the tax rate of the county where the sale happens. Online purchases are more complicated—the retailer is supposed to charge the tax rate of the address where the item is being shipped. If you order something online to be delivered to a Las Vegas address, you pay Clark County's combined rate, even if the retailer is based elsewhere.
The local rates are: Carson City 1.5 percent, Churchill County 1.15 percent, Clark County 1.25 percent, Douglas County 1.15 percent, Elko County 0.75 percent, Esmeralda County 1.15 percent, Eureka County 1.15 percent, Humboldt County 1.15 percent, Lander County 1.15 percent, Lincoln County 1.15 percent, Lyon County 1.15 percent, Mineral County 1.15 percent, Nye County 1.15 percent, Pershing County 1.15 percent, Storey County 1.15 percent, Washoe County 1.15 percent, and White Pine County 1.15 percent.
Tax on vehicles and large purchases
Vehicle purchases are subject to Nevada sales tax. When you buy a car, truck, or motorcycle, the dealer charges you sales tax on the purchase price. The rate is the combined state and local rate for the county where the sale takes place. Trade-in value is typically deducted from the sale price before tax is calculated, so you pay tax only on the net amount.
Large appliances, furniture, and electronics are all taxable at the standard combined rate. There is no threshold above which items are taxed differently—a $5,000 refrigerator is taxed the same way as a $500 one.
How to find your county's exact sales tax rate
The Nevada Department of Taxation maintains a list of all county rates on its website. You can search by county name to find the exact local rate, then add 6.85 percent to get your total. Many retailers also display the combined rate on their receipts or websites.
If you are unsure which county you are in, you can look up your address on the Nevada Department of Taxation website or contact your county assessor's office. Some border areas can be tricky—if you live near a county line, make sure you know which county your address falls in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay Nevada sales tax if I buy something online from out of state?
If the item is shipped to a Nevada address, you pay Nevada sales tax at the rate for your county. The retailer is required to collect and send that tax to Nevada, regardless of where the company is based. If you pick up an order in another state, you typically do not pay Nevada tax.
Is restaurant food taxed differently than grocery store food?
Yes. Groceries you buy at a store and take home are not taxed. Food prepared and ready to eat—at restaurants, delis, or bakeries—is taxed at the full combined rate. The distinction is whether the food requires further preparation at home.
Are used items subject to sales tax in Nevada?
Used items sold by a retailer are taxed the same way as new items. A used car from a dealer is taxed; a used appliance from a store is taxed. Private sales between individuals are not subject to sales tax, but if you sell through a business or platform that handles the transaction, tax may explore.
What happens if a retailer doesn't charge me sales tax?
The retailer is responsible for collecting and remitting the correct tax. If they fail to charge you, that is their error, not yours. You are not required to report it or pay the tax separately. However, large retailers almost always have systems in place to charge the correct rate automatically.
Do I need to pay sales tax on items I buy for my business?
Business purchases of goods for resale are not subject to sales tax if you provide a resale certificate. Items you buy for business use—office supplies, equipment, or materials—are taxed like any other purchase. The distinction depends on whether you are reselling the item or using it yourself.