How Vermont Sales Tax Works
Vermont's state government imposes a 6.00% 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 6.36% statewide.
Vermont exempts both groceries and clothing from sales tax — but a 6% state rate applies to nearly everything else, with most cities adding a 1% local option tax.
Groceries in Vermont
Vermont exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax.
Clothing in Vermont
Vermont fully exempts clothing from sales tax.
How Vermont Compares to Neighboring States
Sales tax on a $1,000.00 purchase in Vermont versus neighboring states, using each state's average combined rate (state + local):
| State | State Rate | Combined Rate | Tax on $1,000 | vs. Vermont |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont (here) | 6.00% | 6.36% | $63.60 | — |
| New Hampshire | None | None | $0.00 | -$63.60 |
| Massachusetts | 6.25% | 6.25% | $62.50 | -$1.10 |
| New York | 4.00% | 8.53% | $85.30 | +$21.70 |
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 Vermont sales tax rate for 2026?
Vermont's state sales tax rate is 6.00% for 2026. When combined with the average local sales tax of 0.36%, most Vermont residents pay a typical combined rate of 6.36%.
How much sales tax will I pay on a $100 purchase in Vermont?
On a $100 purchase, expect approximately $6.00 in state sales tax, or about $6.36 including average local sales tax (combined 6.36%). Total cost: roughly $106.36.
Are groceries taxed in Vermont?
Vermont exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax.
Is clothing taxed in Vermont?
Vermont fully exempts clothing from sales tax.
Is sales tax calculated before or after discounts in Vermont?
Vermont 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 Vermont sales tax estimate calculated?
The calculator applies Vermont's 6.00% 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 Vermont's Department of Revenue tool.