Virginia's Statewide Sales Tax Rate

Virginia's statewide sales tax is 5.3 percent. This rate applies to most goods and services you buy across the state. However, your actual tax at checkout will likely be higher because Virginia allows cities and counties to add their own local sales tax on top of the state rate.

The 5.3 percent breaks down as 4.3 percent state tax plus a 1 percent local tax that goes to your city or county. On top of that, your locality can add up to an additional 1 percent, which means the total tax you pay depends on where you shop. A $100 purchase might cost you $105.30 in one town and $106.30 in another, depending on local add-ons.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia's base sales tax is 5.3 percent, made up of 4.3 percent state tax and 1 percent local tax.
  • Cities and counties can add up to 1 additional percent in local sales tax, so your total rate ranges from 5.3 to 6.3 percent depending on location.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Virginia.
  • You pay sales tax on restaurant meals, prepared foods, and takeout, but not on unprepared groceries you cook at home.

How Local Sales Tax Works in Virginia

Every Virginia city and county collects the mandatory 1 percent local tax. Many localities then vote to add an optional local tax of up to 1 percent more. This means your total sales tax rate depends entirely on which city or county you are in when you make a purchase.

For example, Arlington County charges 6.3 percent total (4.3 state plus 2 percent local), while some rural counties charge only 5.3 percent (4.3 state plus 1 percent local). If you shop near a county border, the tax rate can change by a full percentage point. Check your receipt or ask a cashier if you are unsure what rate applies where you shop.

What Is and Isn't Taxed in Virginia

Virginia does not tax groceries you take home to cook, including meat, produce, dairy, and packaged foods. Prescription medications and certain medical devices are also exempt. However, prepared foods and restaurant meals are fully taxed, including takeout and delivery orders.

Clothing and shoes are taxed at the full rate. Gasoline is taxed, but the tax is built into the pump price and does not appear separately on your receipt. Services like haircuts, car repairs, and plumbing are taxed. Digital goods such as e-books, streaming subscriptions, and downloaded software are taxed as well.

Finding Your Local Sales Tax Rate

The easiest way to find your exact sales tax rate is to check your last receipt from a purchase in your area. The tax rate appears on the receipt. You can also call your city or county tax assessor's office—the number is listed on your property tax bill or on your locality's website.

The Virginia Department of Taxation maintains a list of all local rates on its website, organized by city and county. If you shop in multiple localities, keep in mind that the rate changes at the border. Online purchases shipped to a Virginia address are taxed at the rate of your delivery address, not where the seller is located.

Sales Tax on Specific Items

Alcohol is taxed at the regular sales tax rate, plus Virginia adds a separate excise tax on beer, wine, and spirits. The excise tax varies by type of alcohol and is separate from the sales tax you see on your receipt. Cigarettes and vaping products are also taxed at the regular rate plus an additional excise tax.

Used items sold by individuals are not subject to sales tax, but used items sold by a business are taxed. Motor vehicles have their own tax structure and are not subject to regular sales tax—instead, you pay a tax based on the vehicle's value when you register it with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

How Sales Tax Affects Your Budget

Sales tax adds up quickly on large purchases. A $1,000 appliance will cost you $1,053 to $1,063 depending on your locality. Over a year of regular shopping, a family in a 6 percent tax area pays roughly $600 more per $10,000 spent compared to a state with no sales tax.

If you are budgeting for a major purchase, remember to add your local sales tax rate to the sticker price. Many stores display prices without tax, so the final amount at checkout will be higher. Keeping receipts helps you track how much you actually spend on tax across the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Virginia have sales tax on groceries?

No. Unprepared groceries like vegetables, meat, bread, and canned goods are not taxed. However, prepared foods from a deli counter, restaurant meals, and takeout are taxed at the full rate. The key is whether the food is ready to eat or requires cooking.

What is the sales tax rate in my city?

Your rate is 4.3 percent state tax plus at least 1 percent local tax, for a minimum of 5.3 percent. Many cities and counties add another 1 percent, bringing the total to 6.3 percent. Check your last receipt or call your local tax assessor to confirm your exact rate.

Do I pay sales tax on online purchases in Virginia?

Yes. Online retailers must charge sales tax on orders shipped to a Virginia address. The tax rate is based on your delivery address, not where the seller is located. This applies to most online retailers, though some smaller sellers may not collect it.

Is clothing taxed in Virginia?

Yes. Clothing and shoes are taxed at your local sales tax rate with no exemption. This includes new and used clothing sold by businesses, though items sold by individuals are not taxed.

What about tax on services like haircuts or car repairs?

Services are taxed in Virginia. A haircut, car repair, plumbing work, or other service is subject to sales tax at your local rate. The tax applies to the labor charge, not just any parts or materials involved.