How Georgia Sales Tax Works
Georgia's state government imposes a 4.00% sales tax on most retail purchases. Counties, cities, and special districts can layer additional local sales tax on top — pushing combined rates to a population-weighted average of 7.40% statewide.
Georgia's 4% state rate is among the lowest in the country, but most counties stack 3-4 percentage points of local sales tax on top.
Groceries in Georgia
Georgia exempts unprepared groceries from the 4% state sales tax; local sales taxes still apply.
How Georgia Compares to Neighboring States
Sales tax on a $1,000.00 purchase in Georgia versus neighboring states, using each state's average combined rate (state + local):
| State | State Rate | Combined Rate | Tax on $1,000 | vs. Georgia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia (here) | 4.00% | 7.40% | $74.00 | — |
| Florida | 6.00% | 7.00% | $70.00 | -$4.00 |
| Alabama | 4.00% | 9.29% | $92.90 | +$18.90 |
| Tennessee | 7.00% | 9.55% | $95.50 | +$21.50 |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 7.00% | $70.00 | -$4.00 |
| South Carolina | 6.00% | 7.50% | $75.00 | +$1.00 |
A negative "vs." figure means a lower sales tax bill on the same purchase. Specific addresses can vary materially from the state-wide average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Georgia sales tax rate for 2026?
Georgia's state sales tax rate is 4.00% for 2026. When combined with the average local sales tax of 3.40%, most Georgia residents pay a typical combined rate of 7.40%.
How much sales tax will I pay on a $100 purchase in Georgia?
On a $100 purchase, expect approximately $4.00 in state sales tax, or about $7.40 including average local sales tax (combined 7.40%). Total cost: roughly $107.40.
Are groceries taxed in Georgia?
Georgia exempts unprepared groceries from the 4% state sales tax; local sales taxes still apply.
Is sales tax calculated before or after discounts in Georgia?
Georgia follows the standard rule used by virtually all states: sales tax is calculated on the final discounted price, not the original price. If a $200 item is on sale for $150, you pay sales tax on $150. Manufacturer coupons can be treated differently in some states.
How is this Georgia sales tax estimate calculated?
The calculator applies Georgia's 4.00% state sales tax rate plus whatever local rate you enter (city + county + special districts). The default Local Rate is 0%; click a city in the table above to fill in its local portion, or look up your specific address with Georgia's Department of Revenue tool.