States Without Sales Tax
Which five states have no statewide sales tax, where local taxes still apply, which states charge the most, and a calculator.
States without sales tax savings calculator
The five states without sales tax
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon have no statewide sales tax (Tax Foundation, July 1, 2026). Alaska lets cities and boroughs charge their own, averaging 1.82%, so Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon are the only states with no general sales tax at all, though some have targeted taxes, such as resort-area or lodging taxes.
Highest combined sales tax rates
| State | Average state + local rate |
|---|---|
| Louisiana | 10.13% |
| Tennessee | 9.61% |
| Washington | 9.57% |
| Arkansas | 9.48% |
| Alabama | 9.46% |
Does shopping across the border work?
For big purchases, maybe, but residents of sales-tax states generally owe use tax on items bought tax-free elsewhere and brought home, and cars are taxed where they're registered: see the car calculators. No sales tax usually means the state raises money other ways: Oregon and Montana have income taxes, and New Hampshire relies more on property taxes. Compare income taxes on state income tax rates 2026.
Common questions
Which states have no sales tax?
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon have no statewide sales tax.
Does Alaska have sales tax?
No state sales tax, but local governments charge an average of 1.82%.
Can I avoid sales tax by buying in another state?
Usually not entirely: your home state may charge use tax.
Sources
More paycheck and tax calculators: SS4 Form · Tax Extension (Form 4868)
Related
General information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check important numbers with the official source before acting on them.