Alabama sales tax at a glance
Alabama's typical combined rate of 9.46% ranks 5th highest among the 50 states. Alabama's average local add-on (5.46%) is the highest in the country — local rates matter more than the state rate here.
What sales tax adds at the register
At the average combined rate of 9.46%:
| Price | Sales tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $25 | $2.37 | $27.37 |
| $100 | $9.46 | $109.46 |
| $500 | $47.30 | $547.30 |
| $2,000 | $189.20 | $2,189.20 |
Frequently asked questions
+What is the sales tax in Alabama in 2026?
Alabama's state sales tax is 4%. Cities, counties and districts add local taxes averaging 5.46% (population-weighted), for a typical combined rate of 9.46% — and up to 12% in the highest-tax localities. Alabama's average local add-on (5.46%) is the highest in the country — local rates matter more than the state rate here.
+How do I calculate Alabama sales tax backwards from a total?
Divide the total by 1 plus the rate as a decimal. At 9.46%, a $109.46 total means a $100.00 price and $9.46 tax. Choose "Total after tax (reverse)" above to do it automatically.
+Do online orders charge Alabama sales tax?
Yes. Since the Wayfair decision, large online sellers must collect Alabama sales tax based on your delivery address — the same state and local rate you'd pay in a store.
+Is the rate the same everywhere in Alabama?
No. Local rates vary by city and county, from 4% (state only) up to about 12%. Use a recent receipt or your state revenue department's lookup for your exact address.
Rates as of July 1, 2026, from state revenue departments compiled by the Tax Foundation; local averages are population-weighted. Product exemptions (groceries, clothing, medicine) vary by state. Estimates only — see our terms.