Nevada has a statewide sales tax, and it varies by county

Yes, Nevada charges sales tax. The statewide base rate is 6.85 percent, but the total tax you pay at the register depends on which county you're in, because counties can add their own local tax on top of the state rate. In Clark County (Las Vegas), for example, the combined rate is 8.375 percent. In Washoe County (Reno), it's 8.23 percent. Rural counties have lower combined rates—some as low as 7.375 percent.

The tax applies to most goods you buy in stores, but not to groceries, prescription medications, or medical equipment. Services are generally not taxed in Nevada, which is one reason the state has no income tax—it relies on sales tax and gaming tax revenue instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Nevada's base sales tax is 6.85 percent statewide, but your actual rate depends on your county's local addition.
  • Clark County (Las Vegas area) charges 8.375 percent total; Washoe County (Reno area) charges 8.23 percent total.
  • Groceries, prescription drugs, and medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Nevada.
  • The tax applies to tangible goods but not to most services, which is why Nevada has no state income tax.

How county rates are added to the state rate

Nevada's 6.85 percent state rate is the floor. Each county then adds a local rate on top of it. The local portion funds county services like schools, roads, and public safety. This two-layer system means your total rate depends entirely on where you make the purchase.

Clark County adds 1.525 percent locally, bringing the total to 8.375 percent. Washoe County adds 1.38 percent, for a total of 8.23 percent. Douglas County (near Lake Tahoe) adds 1.375 percent, for 8.225 percent. If you're in a smaller county like Lander or Eureka, the local addition is smaller, so your total rate may be closer to 7.375 percent.

The rate you pay is determined by the location of the seller, not where you live. If you buy something in Las Vegas, you pay Clark County's rate even if you live in another county.

What is and isn't taxed in Nevada

Exempt items include unprepared food (groceries), prescription medications, medical equipment like wheelchairs or oxygen tanks, and certain utilities. Prepared food—restaurant meals, deli items, hot food from a grocery store—is taxed.

Most services are not taxed. Haircuts, car repairs, plumbing work, and consulting fees are all tax-free. However, some services bundled with goods can be taxed. For example, if a store sells you a phone and activates it, the set up may be taxed as part of the transaction.

Clothing and shoes are taxed in Nevada, unlike in some other states. There is no clothing exemption.

Online and out-of-state purchases

If you order something online from a retailer outside Nevada, you generally do not pay Nevada sales tax at checkout—the out-of-state seller is not required to collect it. However, Nevada law says you owe use tax on those purchases, which is the same rate as sales tax. In practice, most individual shoppers do not pay use tax on personal purchases, and the state does not pursue individuals for it.

If you order from a large online retailer like Amazon, they may collect Nevada sales tax anyway because they have a physical presence in the state (warehouses or offices). Check your receipt to see whether tax was charged.

Tax on vehicles and large purchases

When you buy a car in Nevada, sales tax applies to the purchase price. The rate is the same as the county rate where you buy it. If you buy a used car from a private seller, you still owe sales tax when you register it with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles—you pay it as part of the registration process, not at the time of sale.

Real estate (houses and land) is not subject to sales tax in Nevada. Property transfer taxes are minimal or nonexistent depending on the county.

How to find your exact county rate

The Nevada Department of Taxation publishes the combined sales tax rate for each county on its website. You can search by county name to find your exact rate. If you're shopping in a different county or planning a purchase, knowing the rate beforehand helps you budget accurately.

Some retailers display the tax rate at checkout or on their website. If you're unsure, ask the cashier or call the store—they can tell you the rate for their location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay sales tax if I buy something online from a Nevada store?

Yes, if the retailer has a physical location in Nevada or meets certain sales thresholds, they must collect sales tax on your order. The rate charged depends on the county where the retailer is located or where the item ships to.

Is there sales tax on groceries in Nevada?

No. Unprepared food—items you buy at a grocery store to cook at home—is exempt from sales tax. Prepared food, like restaurant meals or hot deli items, is taxed.

What if I buy something in one county and use it in another?

You pay the sales tax rate of the county where you make the purchase, not where you use the item. The tax is based on the seller's location.

Do I have to pay sales tax on a used car from a private seller?

You do not pay tax at the time of the sale, but you owe sales tax when you register the vehicle with the Nevada DMV. You pay it as part of the registration fee, calculated at your county's rate.

Are services like haircuts or car repairs taxed?

No. Most services in Nevada are not subject to sales tax. Haircuts, repairs, medical care, and professional services are all tax-free.