How Nebraska Sales Tax Works
Nebraska's state government imposes a 5.50% 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 6.99% statewide.
Nebraska's 5.5% state rate plus typical 1.5% local rate keeps the combined burden moderate, but Omaha and Lincoln push up to 7.5%.
Groceries in Nebraska
Nebraska exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax.
How Nebraska Compares to Neighboring States
Sales tax on a $1,000.00 purchase in Nebraska versus neighboring states, using each state's average combined rate (state + local):
| State | State Rate | Combined Rate | Tax on $1,000 | vs. Nebraska |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska (here) | 5.50% | 6.99% | $69.90 | — |
| South Dakota | 4.20% | 6.11% | $61.10 | -$8.80 |
| Iowa | 6.00% | 6.94% | $69.40 | -$0.50 |
| Missouri | 4.22% | 8.39% | $83.90 | +$14.00 |
| Kansas | 6.50% | 8.80% | $88.00 | +$18.10 |
| Colorado | 2.90% | 7.81% | $78.10 | +$8.20 |
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 Nebraska sales tax rate for 2026?
Nebraska's state sales tax rate is 5.50% for 2026. When combined with the average local sales tax of 1.49%, most Nebraska residents pay a typical combined rate of 6.99%.
How much sales tax will I pay on a $100 purchase in Nebraska?
On a $100 purchase, expect approximately $5.50 in state sales tax, or about $6.99 including average local sales tax (combined 6.99%). Total cost: roughly $106.99.
Are groceries taxed in Nebraska?
Nebraska exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax.
Is sales tax calculated before or after discounts in Nebraska?
Nebraska 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 Nebraska sales tax estimate calculated?
The calculator applies Nebraska's 5.50% 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 Nebraska's Department of Revenue tool.