Wyoming has no state sales tax
Wyoming is one of five states with no statewide sales tax. You do not pay a state-level sales tax on purchases of goods or services in Wyoming, regardless of what you buy or where in the state you shop.
However, some Wyoming cities and counties do charge local sales taxes on top of the price. These local rates vary by location and can range from 1% to 6%, depending on which municipality you are in. The total tax you pay depends on where the sale happens, not where you live.
This means a purchase in Cheyenne may have a different tax rate than the same purchase in Jackson or Casper. Before assuming you pay nothing in tax, check what your specific city or county charges.
Key Takeaways
- Wyoming has no state sales tax, so you will not see a state-level charge on any purchase.
- Local sales taxes in Wyoming range from 1% to 6% depending on your city or county.
- The tax rate that applies is determined by where the transaction takes place, not by where you live.
- Some Wyoming counties have no local sales tax at all, while others charge the full 6%.
- Online purchases shipped to Wyoming may or may not be taxed depending on the seller's location and state rules.
Local sales tax rates by city and county
Wyoming's largest cities have different local tax rates. Cheyenne charges 4%, Casper charges 4%, Laramie charges 4%, and Jackson charges 6%. Smaller towns and rural areas may charge anywhere from 1% to 6%, or nothing at all.
Some counties have no local sales tax. Others have a county-wide rate that applies everywhere within the county, while some allow individual cities to set their own rates on top of a county rate. This creates variation even within the same county.
The easiest way to find your exact rate is to contact your city or county clerk's office directly, or check the Wyoming Department of Revenue website, which maintains a list of all local rates by jurisdiction. Retailers are required to display the total tax at checkout, so you will see the final amount before you pay.
What items are taxed in Wyoming
In Wyoming, local sales tax applies to most tangible goods — items you can touch and hold. This includes clothing, groceries, electronics, furniture, and vehicles. Services are generally not taxed, though some municipalities tax specific services like lodging or restaurant meals.
Groceries are taxed at the local rate in most Wyoming jurisdictions, unlike some states that exempt food. Prescription medications are typically exempt from local sales tax, but over-the-counter medicines and vitamins may be taxed depending on your location.
If you are unsure whether a specific item is taxed where you live, ask the retailer or contact your local tax assessor. The rules can vary by jurisdiction, so what is taxed in one city might not be taxed in another.
How local sales tax is collected and used
When you make a purchase subject to local sales tax, the retailer collects the tax at the point of sale and remits it to the city or county. You pay the tax directly as part of your total bill.
Local sales tax revenue funds city and county services such as schools, roads, emergency services, and public facilities. Wyoming relies heavily on sales tax and mineral extraction taxes because it has no income tax, so local sales tax is an important funding source for local government.
Retailers are responsible for collecting and reporting the tax correctly. If you believe you were overcharged, contact the retailer first. If the issue is not resolved, you can file a complaint with your county assessor's office.
Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases
When you order something online from a retailer outside Wyoming and have it shipped to a Wyoming address, whether you pay sales tax depends on the seller's location and their obligations under Wyoming law. Large online retailers typically collect Wyoming sales tax on orders shipped to the state, even if the retailer is based elsewhere.
If an online retailer does not collect Wyoming sales tax at checkout, you may owe use tax on that purchase. Use tax is a tax on goods you buy outside the state and bring into Wyoming, or on items shipped to you from out of state. Most individual buyers do not report use tax, but it is technically owed in many cases.
For high-value purchases, it is worth asking the retailer whether they collect Wyoming sales tax before you complete the order. This prevents confusion about the final price and ensures you understand the total cost.
Wyoming's tax structure and why there is no state sales tax
Wyoming has no state income tax and no state sales tax. Instead, the state funds itself primarily through mineral extraction taxes (oil, gas, and coal), property taxes, and other revenue sources. This makes Wyoming one of the most tax-friendly states for residents and businesses.
Because Wyoming does not collect state sales tax, the burden of funding local services falls on local governments through property taxes and local sales taxes. This is why local rates vary so widely across the state — each city and county sets its own rate based on its budget needs.
This structure means Wyoming residents pay no state income tax on wages or investments, which is a significant advantage for high earners. However, local sales taxes and property taxes can still add up depending on where you live and what you buy.
How to find your local sales tax rate
The fastest way to find your exact local sales tax rate is to visit the Wyoming Department of Revenue website and search for your city or county. The site lists all current local rates and is updated when rates change.
You can also call your city or county clerk's office directly. They can tell you the current rate and answer questions about what items are taxed in your area. Many municipal websites also post the local sales tax rate on their homepage.
When you are shopping, the retailer is required to show you the total tax amount before you complete the purchase, so you will always know the final price. If you see a tax charge you do not recognize, ask the cashier or customer service representative to explain it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Wyoming?
Yes, groceries are subject to local sales tax in most Wyoming jurisdictions. Unlike some states, Wyoming does not exempt food from local sales tax. The rate depends on your city or county and ranges from 1% to 6%.
What is the highest sales tax rate in Wyoming?
The highest local sales tax rate in Wyoming is 6%, found in some municipalities like Jackson. The lowest is 1% in certain areas, and some jurisdictions charge no local sales tax at all. Check your specific city or county for the exact rate.
Do I owe sales tax if I buy something online from another state?
If the online retailer collects Wyoming sales tax at checkout, you pay it then. If they do not, you may owe use tax on the purchase, though most individual buyers do not report it. Large retailers typically collect the tax automatically.
Is there a state sales tax in Wyoming?
No. Wyoming has no state sales tax. Only local sales taxes explore, and they vary by city and county. Wyoming also has no state income tax, making it one of the lowest-tax states in the nation.
Are services taxed in Wyoming?
Services are generally not taxed at the state level. Some local jurisdictions tax specific services like hotel stays or restaurant meals, but this varies by location. Check with your local tax assessor to confirm what services are taxed where you live.