Las Vegas sales tax is 8.375 percent, made up of state and local taxes combined

The sales tax you pay when you buy something in Las Vegas is 8.375 percent. This rate combines Nevada's state sales tax of 6.85 percent with Clark County's local sales tax of 1.525 percent. The total applies to most goods and some services you purchase within Las Vegas city limits and unincorporated Clark County.

Nevada has no income tax, so the state relies on sales tax to fund schools, roads, and public services. This is why Nevada's base sales tax rate is higher than many other states. When you buy an item priced at $100, you add $8.38 in tax to reach your final bill.

Key Takeaways

  • Las Vegas sales tax is 8.375 percent: 6.85 percent state plus 1.525 percent Clark County local tax.
  • The rate applies to most retail goods, groceries, and some services, but not to items like prescription medications or medical devices.
  • Different Nevada cities outside Clark County have different local tax rates, so sales tax varies if you shop in Reno, Henderson, or other areas.
  • Restaurants and bars in Las Vegas charge the same 8.375 percent sales tax on food and beverages.

What items are taxed and what are exempt

Most items you buy in Las Vegas are subject to the 8.375 percent sales tax. This includes clothing, electronics, furniture, groceries, and restaurant meals. Nevada taxes groceries at the full rate, unlike some states that reduce or eliminate tax on food.

Some purchases are exempt from sales tax. Prescription medications filled by a licensed pharmacist are not taxed. Medical devices prescribed by a doctor—such as diabetic testing supplies or mobility aids—are also exempt. Certain nonprofit organizations may be exempt from tax on specific purchases if they hold a valid resale certificate.

Services are taxed differently depending on what they are. A haircut or massage is taxed. Repair services on items you own are taxed. However, labor that is part of a larger construction or installation project may be handled differently, so ask the contractor whether tax applies to their labor charges.

How sales tax varies across Nevada

Las Vegas is in Clark County, which has a combined rate of 8.375 percent. If you drive to another Nevada city, the rate changes. Reno, in Washoe County, has a combined rate of 8.375 percent as well. However, smaller counties and cities outside the major metro areas may have lower local rates, bringing their total below 8 percent.

The state portion—6.85 percent—is the same everywhere in Nevada. The local portion varies by county and sometimes by city within a county. If you shop near the Nevada border in California or Arizona, those states' sales taxes explore instead, and their rates are different. Always check the final receipt to see what tax was charged.

Who collects and where the money goes

Retailers collect sales tax at the point of sale and send it to the Nevada Department of Taxation. The state then distributes the revenue. The state portion funds education, transportation, and general state services. The local portion goes to Clark County and the City of Las Vegas for schools, police, fire, libraries, and infrastructure.

Online purchases made from out-of-state sellers were historically not taxed in Nevada, but federal law changed in 2018. Now most online retailers must collect and remit Nevada sales tax on orders shipped to Nevada addresses, even if the seller is based elsewhere. If you buy from a small online seller who does not collect tax, you may owe use tax to Nevada when you file your return, though this is rarely enforced for individual purchases.

Sales tax on hotels and short-term rentals

Hotel rooms in Las Vegas are subject to sales tax plus an additional hotel occupancy tax. The occupancy tax rate varies by location within Clark County but is typically around 12 percent on top of the 8.375 percent sales tax. This means a $100 hotel room can cost $20 or more in combined taxes.

Short-term rental properties—such as vacation homes or apartments rented through platforms—are also subject to sales tax and occupancy tax in most cases. The exact rate depends on where the property is located and how it is classified. If you are renting a property in Las Vegas, the host or platform should disclose the total tax before you book.

How to calculate your final cost

To find your total cost including sales tax, multiply the price by 1.08375. For example, a $50 item costs $50 × 1.08375 = $54.19. Most retailers display the pre-tax price on the shelf and add tax at checkout, so you see the final amount on your receipt.

If you are budgeting for a purchase or comparing prices between stores, remember to factor in the 8.375 percent tax. Some stores advertise a price but do not include tax in their promotions, so the final bill may be higher than the advertised amount. Always ask whether a quoted price includes tax.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sales tax the same everywhere in Las Vegas?

Yes, within Las Vegas city limits and unincorporated Clark County, the rate is 8.375 percent. If you cross into Henderson or other incorporated cities in Clark County, the rate may be slightly different because those cities have their own local tax rates. Check your receipt to confirm the exact rate charged.

Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Nevada?

Yes. Nevada taxes groceries at the full 8.375 percent rate, unlike some states that exempt or reduce tax on food. This applies to items you buy at supermarkets, including produce, dairy, and packaged foods. Restaurant meals are also taxed at the same rate.

What about sales tax on casino winnings or gambling?

Gambling winnings themselves are not subject to sales tax. However, if you buy food, drinks, or merchandise at a casino, those purchases are taxed at 8.375 percent like any other retail transaction. Casinos are required to report large winnings to the IRS for income tax purposes, but that is separate from sales tax.

Do I owe Nevada sales tax on items I buy online from out of state?

Most major online retailers now collect and remit Nevada sales tax on orders shipped to Nevada addresses. If a seller does not collect tax, you technically owe use tax to Nevada, but this is rarely enforced for individual purchases. Keep your receipts if you want to report it on your Nevada tax return.

Is there a sales tax on services like haircuts or car repairs?

Yes. Personal services like haircuts, massages, and car repairs are subject to the 8.375 percent sales tax in Las Vegas. The tax applies to the labor charge as well as any materials or products used during the service.