Vermont Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate the exact sales tax for any purchase in Vermont. Get instant breakdowns of state, county, and city taxes. Updated with current 2026 rates.
VT Base State Rate: 6% (up to 7% combined)
Chittenden
Total Amount
$106.00
$100.00 + $6.00 tax
Tax Components
Vermont Sales Tax Highlights
Vermont has a 6% state sales tax
Limited local taxes
Groceries and clothing exempt
Vermont Sales Tax FAQ
What is Vermont's sales tax rate?
Vermont has a 6% state rate with limited local taxes (up to 1%). Groceries and clothing are exempt.
Vermont Sales Tax Rate Structure in 2026
Vermont imposes a 6% state sales tax on most retail purchases. Local sales taxes are limited — only a few municipalities levy a 1% local option tax, bringing the maximum combined rate to 7%. The statewide average combined rate is approximately 6.24%.
| Area | State Rate | Local Rate | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | 6% | 1% | 7% |
| South Burlington | 6% | 1% | 7% |
| Rutland | 6% | 0% | 6% |
| Montpelier | 6% | 0% | 6% |
| Brattleboro | 6% | 0% | 6% |
Vermont's local option tax was authorized in 2006 and allows municipalities to impose up to 1% on sales within their borders. Burlington is the largest city using this option.
Tax-Exempt Items and Special Rules in Vermont
Vermont offers broad exemptions for everyday necessities. Groceries (unprepared food for home consumption), clothing, and prescription drugs are all fully exempt from sales tax. This makes Vermont one of the more consumer-friendly states for essential goods.
| Category | Taxable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries (unprepared food) | Exempt | Food for home consumption |
| Prepared food / restaurant meals | Taxable | 6% state + 1% meals tax in qualifying areas |
| Clothing | Exempt | All clothing exempt |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Requires valid prescription |
| Over-the-counter medicine | Taxable | Full rate |
| Motor vehicles | Taxable | 6% purchase and use tax |
| Alcoholic beverages | Taxable | 10% sales tax on alcohol (higher rate) |
Vermont imposes a 9% meals and rooms tax on restaurant meals, lodging, and alcoholic beverages. This is separate from the general 6% sales tax and applies specifically to hospitality transactions.
Filing and Compliance for Vermont Sales Tax
The Vermont Department of Taxes administers all sales and use tax. Businesses must obtain a Sales Tax Certificate of Authority and file returns monthly, quarterly, or annually based on their tax liability. Monthly filers are typically those collecting more than $2,500/month.
Vermont requires remote sellers to collect sales tax once they exceed $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions in Vermont in the prior 12 months. Marketplace facilitators must also collect on behalf of third-party sellers since June 1, 2019.
| Filing Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Economic nexus threshold | $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions |
| Marketplace facilitator rule | Yes — effective June 1, 2019 |
| Filing frequency | Monthly, Quarterly, or Annual |
| State agency | Vermont Department of Taxes |
| Late filing penalty | 5% per month on unpaid tax, up to 25% |
Related Calculators
Official References
This calculator uses current sales tax rates based on official sources:
- Vermont Department of Taxes
Official Vermont tax authority
Tax rates are updated regularly but may change. Always verify current rates with local tax authorities for official transactions.