How Mississippi Sales Tax Works
Mississippi's state government imposes a 7.00% 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 7.06% statewide.
Mississippi has the highest grocery sales tax rate in the country at a full 7%, making it one of the most regressive sales tax states.
Groceries in Mississippi
Mississippi taxes groceries at the full 7% state rate — one of only a few states that fully tax unprepared food.
Sales Tax Holidays in Mississippi
Mississippi holds an annual back-to-school sales tax holiday at the end of July.
How Mississippi Compares to Neighboring States
Sales tax on a $1,000.00 purchase in Mississippi versus neighboring states, using each state's average combined rate (state + local):
| State | State Rate | Combined Rate | Tax on $1,000 | vs. Mississippi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi (here) | 7.00% | 7.06% | $70.60 | — |
| Louisiana | 5.00% | 10.11% | $101.10 | +$30.50 |
| Arkansas | 6.50% | 9.44% | $94.40 | +$23.80 |
| Tennessee | 7.00% | 9.55% | $95.50 | +$24.90 |
| Alabama | 4.00% | 9.29% | $92.90 | +$22.30 |
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 Mississippi sales tax rate for 2026?
Mississippi's state sales tax rate is 7.00% for 2026. When combined with the average local sales tax of 0.06%, most Mississippi residents pay a typical combined rate of 7.06%.
How much sales tax will I pay on a $100 purchase in Mississippi?
On a $100 purchase, expect approximately $7.00 in state sales tax, or about $7.06 including average local sales tax (combined 7.06%). Total cost: roughly $107.06.
Are groceries taxed in Mississippi?
Mississippi taxes groceries at the full 7% state rate — one of only a few states that fully tax unprepared food.
Is sales tax calculated before or after discounts in Mississippi?
Mississippi 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 Mississippi sales tax estimate calculated?
The calculator applies Mississippi's 7.00% 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 Mississippi's Department of Revenue tool.