Wisconsin Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate the exact sales tax for any purchase in Wisconsin. Get instant breakdowns of state, county, and city taxes. Updated with current 2026 rates.
WI Base State Rate: 5% (up to 5.6% combined)
Brown
Total Amount
$105.50
$100.00 + $5.50 tax
Tax Components
Wisconsin Sales Tax Highlights
Wisconsin has a 5% state sales tax
County tax adds 0.5% (most counties)
Groceries exempt
Wisconsin Sales Tax FAQ
What is Wisconsin's sales tax rate?
Wisconsin has a 5% state rate. Most counties add 0.5% for a 5.5% combined rate.
Wisconsin Sales Tax Rate Structure in 2026
Wisconsin imposes a 5% state sales tax on most retail purchases. Counties can add an optional 0.5% county sales tax, and most do — bringing the typical combined rate to 5.5%. The maximum combined rate is 5.6% in select counties with a stadium tax or other special district tax.
| Area | State Rate | County Rate | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee (Milwaukee Co.) | 5% | 0.5% | 5.5% |
| Madison (Dane Co.) | 5% | 0.5% | 5.5% |
| Green Bay (Brown Co.) | 5% | 0.5% | 5.5% |
| Racine (Racine Co.) | 5% | 0.5% | 5.5% |
| Kenosha (Kenosha Co.) | 5% | 0.5% | 5.5% |
Wisconsin's simple local tax structure — only one optional 0.5% county tax — makes it one of the easiest states for sales tax compliance. There are no city-level taxes.
Tax-Exempt Items and Special Rules in Wisconsin
Wisconsin exempts groceries (food and food ingredients for home consumption) and prescription drugs from sales tax. Clothing is fully taxable — Wisconsin has no clothing exemption.
| Category | Taxable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries (unprepared food) | Exempt | Food for home consumption |
| Prepared food / restaurant meals | Taxable | Full combined rate |
| Clothing | Taxable | No exemption |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Requires valid prescription |
| Over-the-counter medicine | Taxable | Full rate |
| Motor vehicles | Taxable | 5% state + 0.5% county |
| Farm equipment | Exempt | Used directly in farming operations |
Wisconsin also exempts manufacturing machinery and equipment, medical devices, and certain residential utilities (electricity and natural gas for home heating). There is no annual sales tax holiday in Wisconsin.
Filing and Compliance for Wisconsin Sales Tax
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue administers all state and county sales tax. Businesses must register for a Seller's Permit. Filing frequency is based on tax liability: businesses owing more than $3,600/year file monthly, those owing $1,200-$3,600/year file quarterly, and smaller sellers file annually.
Wisconsin requires remote sellers to collect sales tax once they exceed $100,000 in gross sales to Wisconsin buyers in the current or prior calendar year. Marketplace providers must collect on behalf of third-party sellers since January 1, 2020.
| Filing Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Economic nexus threshold | $100,000 in annual Wisconsin sales |
| Marketplace facilitator rule | Yes — effective January 1, 2020 |
| Filing frequency | Monthly, Quarterly, or Annual |
| State agency | Wisconsin Department of Revenue |
| 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:
- Wisconsin DOR
Official Wisconsin tax authority
Tax rates are updated regularly but may change. Always verify current rates with local tax authorities for official transactions.