Understanding Combined Sales Tax Rates
Your total sales tax rate is the sum of multiple components: state base rate + county tax + city tax + special district tax. For example, in Chicago, Illinois the combined rate is 10.25% (6.25% state + 1.75% county + 1.25% city + 1% special). In New York City it is 8.875% (4% state + 4.5% city + 0.375% metro surcharge). The combined rate can vary block by block in some areas due to overlapping special tax districts, making a location-specific calculator essential.