Utah Sales Tax Calculator 2026
Calculate sales tax on any purchase in Utah. The state rate is 6.1% — local taxes may increase the total rate in your area.
Utah Sales Tax Quick Facts
Understanding Utah Sales Tax
Utah imposes a statewide sales tax rate of 6.1% on most retail purchases. This is right around the national average. Local jurisdictions can layer additional taxes on top, so the rate you pay at the register may be higher than the state rate alone.
State Rate vs. Local Rate
The 6.1% rate is just the state portion. Utah allows cities, counties, and special taxing districts to levy additional sales taxes. These local rates typically range from 0.5% to 3%, though some areas go higher. The combined rate — state plus local — is what you actually pay. To find the exact rate for your address, use the Utah Department of Revenue's rate lookup tool or enter your local rate in our calculator above.
How to Calculate Utah Sales Tax
The formula is straightforward: multiply the purchase price by the tax rate expressed as a decimal. For a $100.00 purchase at the 6.1% state rate:
- $100.00 × 0.0610 = $6.10 in state tax
- Total: $100.00 + $6.10 = $106.10
If your city adds a 2% local tax, the combined rate becomes 8.10%, and the tax on $100.00 jumps to $8.10. That local portion adds up fast on large purchases.
Common Exemptions in Utah
Not everything is taxable. Utah, like most states, exempts certain categories of goods from sales tax. Here are the most common:
Groceries: Utah taxes groceries at a reduced rate, lower than the standard 6.1% state rate. Check with the Utah Department of Revenue for the current reduced grocery rate.
Clothing: Clothing is subject to the standard 6.1% state sales tax in Utah. Some states offer sales tax holidays for back-to-school clothing — check whether Utah participates.
Prescription Medication: Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax in Utah. Over-the-counter drugs and medical devices may or may not be taxable depending on Utah law — verify with the state tax authority.
Sales Tax on Vehicles and Large Purchases
Buying a car in Utah? The state sales tax of 6.1% applies to vehicle purchases, typically calculated on the purchase price or the fair market value, whichever is higher. On a $30,000 vehicle, that's $1830 in state tax alone before any local taxes. Some states offer trade-in credits that reduce the taxable amount — check whether Utah allows this deduction.
Online Purchases and Utah Sales Tax
Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court ruling, Utah requires out-of-state online retailers to collect sales tax once they exceed certain economic nexus thresholds. Most major online retailers now collect Utahsales tax automatically. If you buy from a seller who doesn't collect the tax, you are still legally required to report and pay use tax on your Utah tax return.
Filing Requirements for Businesses
Businesses making taxable sales in Utah must register with the state, collect the correct amount of sales tax at each transaction, and file returns on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis depending on their volume. Late filing and underpayment can trigger penalties and interest. If you sell into Utah from another state, the economic nexus rules may require you to register even without a physical presence.