Arizona's statewide sales tax is 5.6 percent
Arizona charges a base sales tax of 5.6 percent on most goods and services. This is the rate the state itself collects. However, the total tax you pay at checkout is almost always higher because cities and counties add their own local sales taxes on top of the state rate.
Your final sales tax depends on where you make the purchase. A $100 item in Phoenix costs a different tax amount than the same item in Flagstaff or Tucson because each city and county has set its own local rate. The combined rate — state plus local — ranges from about 7.65 percent to over 10 percent depending on location.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona's state sales tax is 5.6 percent, but you always pay more because local cities and counties add their own rates on top.
- The total sales tax you pay ranges from roughly 7.65 percent to over 10 percent depending on which city or county you are in.
- Phoenix charges 8.6 percent total, Tucson charges 8.1 percent total, and Mesa charges 8.85 percent total, but these rates change when local governments vote to adjust them.
- Groceries, prescription medications, and medical devices are generally exempt from sales tax in Arizona, but prepared foods and non-prescription items are taxed.
- You can find your exact local rate by entering your address on the Arizona Department of Revenue website or asking a retailer in your area.
How local taxes stack on top of the state rate
When you buy something in Arizona, the retailer collects the state 5.6 percent plus whatever local rate applies to that specific address. A city might charge 2 percent, a county might charge 0.5 percent, and a special district might add another 0.35 percent. All of these stack together.
This means two stores in the same city pay the same combined rate, but a store in one city and another store in a neighboring city may have different totals. The difference is usually less than 1 percent, but it adds up on large purchases.
Sales tax rates in Arizona's largest cities
Phoenix residents pay 8.6 percent total sales tax. Tucson residents pay 8.1 percent. Mesa residents pay 8.85 percent. Chandler residents pay 8.6 percent. Scottsdale residents pay 8.725 percent. These rates include the state 5.6 percent plus the city and county portions.
These rates are not permanent. Cities and counties vote to change their local rates periodically, so the total you pay may shift from year to year. If you live in or frequently shop in a particular area, you can check the current rate on the Arizona Department of Revenue website by entering your zip code or street address.
What items are exempt from sales tax
Groceries — unprepared food you cook at home — are not subject to sales tax in Arizona. This includes raw meat, vegetables, bread, milk, eggs, and canned goods. However, prepared foods, restaurant meals, and hot foods are taxed at the full rate.
Prescription medications and certain medical devices are also exempt. Non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications are taxed. Clothing is taxed in Arizona, unlike some other states that exempt apparel.
Services are generally not taxed, though there are exceptions. Haircuts, car repairs, and plumbing work are not subject to sales tax. However, some services bundled with products — like installation or delivery — may be taxed depending on how the retailer structures the charge.
Finding your exact local sales tax rate
The Arizona Department of Revenue maintains a tax rate lookup tool on its website. You enter your street address, city, or zip code, and the tool returns your exact combined rate. This is the most reliable way to know what you will pay because it accounts for all local districts that explore to your location.
You can also call a retailer in your area and ask what rate they charge, or look at a recent receipt to see the tax percentage applied. If you are shopping online and the retailer is based in Arizona, they will charge the tax rate for their location, not yours, unless they have a physical store in your area.
How online purchases are taxed
Online retailers based in Arizona charge sales tax based on where their warehouse or office is located. If you order from an Arizona company and they ship to you in Arizona, you pay their local rate plus the state rate, not your local rate. If you order from an out-of-state retailer, Arizona does not require them to collect sales tax on the purchase.
Some large national retailers voluntarily collect Arizona sales tax on all orders shipped to Arizona addresses, even if the retailer has no physical presence in the state. This practice varies by company, so you may or may not see tax added depending on where you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Arizona?
No. Unprepared groceries — items you buy to cook at home — are exempt from sales tax. This includes produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods. Prepared foods, restaurant meals, and hot foods from a deli counter are taxed at the full rate.
What is the highest sales tax rate in Arizona?
The highest combined rates are in areas with multiple local tax districts. Some locations exceed 10 percent when you add the state 5.6 percent plus city, county, and special district rates. The exact highest rate changes as local governments adjust their rates.
Do I pay sales tax on clothing in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona taxes clothing at the full sales tax rate. Unlike some states that exempt apparel, Arizona treats clothes the same as other taxable goods.
Is sales tax charged on prescription medications?
No. Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax in Arizona. Over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and non-prescription drugs are taxed at the full rate.
Why does sales tax vary between cities in Arizona?
Each city and county sets its own local sales tax rate on top of the state 5.6 percent. Cities use these funds for local services, infrastructure, and public programs. When you move or shop in a different area, the combined rate changes because the local portion changes.