Nevada's statewide sales tax is 6.85%, but your actual rate depends on which county you're in
Nevada has no state income tax, but it does have a sales tax. The base rate is 6.85% statewide, set by the state. However, most counties add their own local tax on top of that, so the total you pay at checkout ranges from 6.85% to 8.375% depending on where you shop. The rate that applies is the one in the county where the sale happens, not where you live.
Sales tax in Nevada applies to most goods you buy in stores, online orders shipped to Nevada addresses, and some services. Groceries, prescription medications, and medical equipment are generally exempt. If you're buying something in person, the register will show you the total with tax included. If you're ordering online from an out-of-state seller, Nevada tax may or may not be added depending on whether that seller has a legal obligation to collect it.
Key Takeaways
- Nevada's base sales tax is 6.85%, but 16 of Nevada's 17 counties add local tax on top, raising the total to between 7.375% and 8.375%.
- Storey County has no local addition and charges only the 6.85% state rate.
- The tax rate that applies is determined by the county where the purchase happens, not where you live.
- Groceries and prescription medications are exempt from sales tax in Nevada.
Sales tax rates by Nevada county
Here are the total sales tax rates (state plus local) for each Nevada county as of 2024:
| County | Total Rate |
|---|---|
| Carson City | 8.375% |
| Churchill | 7.625% |
| Clark | 8.375% |
| Douglas | 8.375% |
| Elko | 7.625% |
| Esmeralda | 7.625% |
| Eureka | 7.625% |
| Humboldt | 7.625% |
| Lander | 7.625% |
| Lincoln | 7.625% |
| Lyon | 8.375% |
| Mineral | 7.625% |
| Nye | 8.375% |
| Pershing | 7.625% |
| Storey | 6.85% |
| Washoe | 8.375% |
| White Pine | 7.625% |
The difference between counties comes down to local tax decisions. Counties with higher populations and more retail activity—like Clark (Las Vegas), Washoe (Reno), and Carson City—tend to have the highest combined rates at 8.375%. Rural counties typically charge 7.625%. Storey County is the only exception: it has no county sales tax, so purchases there are taxed at only the state rate of 6.85%.
These rates can change if a county votes to adjust its local tax rate, though changes are not frequent. If you're planning a large purchase and live near a county border, it's worth checking the current rate in each county, but the difference is usually only a fraction of a percent.
What is and isn't taxed in Nevada
Groceries and food are exempt from sales tax in Nevada. This includes items from the grocery store like bread, milk, produce, and meat. However, prepared food—restaurant meals, deli items, and hot food from a store—is taxed. The distinction is whether the food is ready to eat or requires preparation at home.
Prescription medications are not taxed. Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and cold medicine are taxed, but prescription drugs are exempt. Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, and diabetic supplies are also exempt.
Clothing and shoes are taxed in Nevada. There is no clothing exemption, so a shirt, pants, or pair of shoes will have sales tax added at checkout. This applies to all clothing regardless of price.
Services are generally not taxed in Nevada, with some exceptions. Haircuts, car repairs, and plumbing work are not subject to sales tax. However, certain services like hotel rooms and rental cars do have taxes applied (though these are often separate from sales tax and called occupancy or rental taxes).
How sales tax works on online purchases
If you order something online and have it shipped to a Nevada address, Nevada sales tax should be added if the seller is required to collect it. Whether a seller must collect Nevada tax depends on whether they have a "nexus" in the state—roughly meaning they have a significant business presence there, such as a warehouse, office, or employees.
Large national retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target collect Nevada sales tax on orders shipped to Nevada. Smaller online sellers may not, depending on their setup. If tax is not collected at checkout, you are technically responsible for paying "use tax" to Nevada, though this is rarely enforced for individual purchases. The rate would be the same as the sales tax rate in your county.
If you're unsure whether tax was added to an online order, check your receipt or order confirmation. The tax should be listed separately from the subtotal.
Sales tax on vehicles and large purchases
When you buy a vehicle in Nevada, sales tax applies to the purchase price. The rate is the one in the county where the sale takes place. If you buy a car in Clark County (8.375%) but live in Storey County (6.85%), you pay the Clark County rate. The dealer will handle the tax calculation and collection as part of the sale.
Trade-in value is typically deducted from the sale price before tax is calculated, which lowers your tax bill. For example, if you buy a car for $20,000 and trade in a vehicle worth $5,000, tax is calculated on $15,000, not $20,000.
For other large purchases like furniture or appliances, the same rule applies: you pay the sales tax rate of the county where the purchase happens. If you buy furniture in one county and have it delivered to another county, the tax is based on where the sale occurred, not where delivery happens.
Who collects and where the money goes
The seller—the store, restaurant, or online retailer—is responsible for collecting sales tax from you at the point of sale. They then send that tax to Nevada's Department of Taxation. The state keeps the 6.85% portion and distributes the local portion to the appropriate county.
Counties use their sales tax revenue for schools, roads, public safety, and other local services. The amount each county collects varies based on how much retail activity happens there, which is why larger counties like Clark and Washoe have higher local tax rates—they need more revenue to support larger populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax if I buy something in one county and have it delivered to another?
The sales tax rate is based on where the sale happens, not where the item is delivered. If you buy furniture in Clark County and have it shipped to Washoe County, you pay Clark County's rate (8.375%). The seller determines the tax based on their location or the location of the transaction.
Is there sales tax on services like haircuts or car repairs?
No. Most services in Nevada are not subject to sales tax. Haircuts, car repairs, plumbing, and similar services are tax-free. However, if you buy a product as part of the service—like hair dye at a salon—that product portion may be taxed depending on how the salon itemizes the charge.
What's the difference between sales tax and use tax?
Sales tax is collected by the seller when you buy something. Use tax is a tax you owe on purchases where sales tax was not collected, such as items bought out of state and brought into Nevada. The rate is the same as sales tax for your county. In practice, use tax is rarely enforced for individual purchases.
Can I get a sales tax refund if I return something?
Yes. If you return an item and receive a refund, the sales tax you paid is refunded as well. The refund should show the tax amount separately. Keep your receipt to show the store when you return the item.
Does Nevada have sales tax on groceries?
No. Groceries—items you buy at a grocery store to prepare at home—are exempt from sales tax. This includes produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods. Prepared foods like deli items, hot food, and restaurant meals are taxed.