Sales tax differs from state to state, and sometimes from item to item. But the process of calculating sales tax remains the same. This article will explain calculate sales tax through a standard methodology using a calculator.
Instructions
1. Identify what your state's sales tax rates are. In many states, the sales tax on food is different from the sales tax on clothing. You can find this information on your state's website under the Treasury department section.
2. Write down or print out all the different tax rates according to category.
3. Pick a different dollar amount for each category in order to test the system.
4. Find calculator that has a percent sign (%) on it.
5. Multiply the dollar amount by the sales tax percentage. For example: If the sales tax is 6.5% and the purchase price is $100, enter 100, press the multiplication symbol (x), enter 6.5 and press the percent sign (%). The result is how much sales tax you'll have to pay on a $100 purchase. (Or, if your calculator doesn't have a percent sign, just multiply 100 by .065 for the same results.)
