Nevada's statewide sales tax is 6.85 percent, but your total tax depends on your county

Nevada has no state income tax, but it does have a sales tax. The base rate is 6.85 percent statewide. However, most counties add their own local tax on top of that, so what you actually pay at the register varies by location. Clark County (Las Vegas) charges 8.375 percent total. Washoe County (Reno) charges 8.375 percent total. Rural counties range from 7.375 to 8.375 percent depending on which one you're in.

The tax applies to most goods you buy in stores, but not to groceries, prescription medications, or medical equipment. Services like haircuts, repairs, and restaurant meals are taxed. If you buy something online and it ships to Nevada, you typically owe sales tax on that purchase too, though the seller may or may not collect it at checkout.

Key Takeaways

  • Nevada's base sales tax is 6.85 percent, but counties add local tax on top, making your actual rate between 7.375 and 8.375 percent depending on where you shop.
  • Clark County and Washoe County both charge 8.375 percent total, the highest rate in the state.
  • Groceries and prescription medications are not subject to sales tax in Nevada.
  • Online purchases shipped to Nevada are subject to sales tax, though not all sellers collect it at checkout.

How county taxes stack on top of the state rate

Nevada splits sales tax between the state and the county where the purchase happens. The state collects 6.85 percent. Each county then adds its own local rate. In Clark County, the local rate is 1.525 percent, bringing the total to 8.375 percent. In Washoe County, the local rate is also 1.525 percent, for the same 8.375 percent total.

Smaller counties have different local rates. Churchill County charges 7.375 percent total. Douglas County charges 8.375 percent total. Elko County charges 7.375 percent total. If you live or shop in a county other than Clark or Washoe, check with your county assessor's office or the Nevada Department of Taxation to confirm the exact rate, since these can change.

The tax you pay is determined by where the sale happens, not where you live. If you buy something in Clark County but live in Washoe County, you pay Clark County's rate. This matters most if you shop near county lines.

What is and isn't taxed in Nevada

Food you buy at a grocery store is not taxed. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, frozen meals, and canned goods. However, prepared food—anything you buy ready to eat—is taxed. A sandwich from a deli counter is taxed. A rotisserie chicken is taxed. A hot pizza is taxed. The line is whether the food is prepared for when ready consumption.

Prescription medications are not taxed. Over-the-counter medications like aspirin and cold medicine are taxed. Medical equipment prescribed by a doctor—such as wheelchairs, crutches, or diabetic testing supplies—is not taxed if you have a prescription. Vitamins and supplements are taxed because they are not considered medications.

Clothing and shoes are taxed. Household goods, electronics, and furniture are taxed. Services like haircuts, plumbing repairs, and car maintenance are taxed. Gasoline is taxed. Alcohol and tobacco products are taxed, plus they carry additional state excise taxes on top of sales tax.

Online purchases and out-of-state sellers

If you order something online and it ships to a Nevada address, sales tax applies. Large online retailers like Amazon now collect Nevada sales tax at checkout. Smaller sellers may not, even though they are legally required to. If a seller does not collect tax, you may owe it when you file your Nevada tax return, though most individual buyers do not report this.

If you buy from a seller outside Nevada and pick it up in another state, no Nevada tax applies. If you buy in another state and bring it home to Nevada, Nevada does not tax it again. Sales tax is a one-time tax at the point of purchase.

Who collects the tax and where it goes

The seller—the store, restaurant, or online company—collects sales tax from you and sends it to Nevada. You do not send it directly to the state. The seller is responsible for calculating the correct rate for their location and remitting it monthly or quarterly depending on their sales volume.

The money collected goes to the state and county. Nevada uses sales tax revenue to fund schools, infrastructure, and local services. Because Nevada has no income tax, sales tax is a major source of state funding. This is why Nevada's sales tax rate is higher than many other states.

Sales tax on specific items you might wonder about

Vehicles: When you buy a car in Nevada, you pay sales tax on the purchase price. The tax is calculated at the time of sale and is usually included in your total payment to the dealer. Trade-in value reduces the taxable amount.

Lottery tickets: Lottery tickets are not subject to sales tax in Nevada. Your winnings are subject to federal income tax, but the ticket itself is not taxed at purchase.

Rental cars: Rental cars are subject to sales tax. A one-week rental will include tax in the final bill. The rate depends on which county the rental agency is in.

Hotel rooms: Hotel rooms are subject to sales tax plus an additional room tax that varies by county. In Las Vegas, the room tax is substantial. Always expect tax to be added to the quoted nightly rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax rate in Las Vegas?

Clark County, where Las Vegas is located, charges 8.375 percent total sales tax. This is the state rate of 6.85 percent plus the county rate of 1.525 percent. The rate is the same throughout Clark County, including the Las Vegas Strip.

What is the sales tax rate in Reno?

Washoe County, where Reno is located, charges 8.375 percent total sales tax. This matches Clark County's rate and is the highest in Nevada.

Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Nevada?

No. Unprepared food—groceries you cook at home—is not taxed. Prepared food like restaurant meals, deli items, and hot foods are taxed. Alcohol and tobacco are taxed even when bought at a grocery store.

Do I owe sales tax on items I buy online?

Yes, sales tax applies to online purchases shipped to Nevada. Large retailers collect it at checkout. Smaller sellers may not, though they are required to. If a seller does not collect it, you technically owe it, but most individual buyers do not report it on their return.

Is there sales tax on used items or secondhand goods?

Sales tax applies to used items sold by a business, such as a used car lot or secondhand store. Items sold between individuals—a private car sale, for example—are not subject to sales tax. The distinction is whether the seller is operating a business.