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Alabama Sales Tax Rate

Alabama · Sales tax rate

9.46%

Combined state + average local sales tax rate

Effective 2026 · Source: Tax Foundation · Verified 2026-09-01

Alabama is 2.82% above the national average combined rate of 6.64%.

Rate breakdown — Alabama

ComponentSet byRate
State rateAlabama legislature4.00%
Average local rateCities, counties, special districts5.46%
Combined rate—9.46%

Rates apply to general merchandise. Groceries, prescription drugs and some services may be exempt or taxed differently.

Nearby-ranked states

#2 Tennessee9.61%+0.15pp#3 Washington9.51%+0.05pp#4 Alabama9.46%= same#5 Arkansas9.46%= same#6 Oklahoma9.06%-0.40pp

How sales tax works in Alabama

Sales tax is charged on most retail purchases. The rate you actually pay is the 4.00% state rate plus whatever your city and county add — the combined figure of 9.46% above is a state-wide average, so two addresses in Alabama can pay different amounts. Groceries, prescription drugs and some other categories are often taxed at a lower rate or exempt.

For online orders shipped to Alabama, the seller generally collects the buyer's local rate (destination sourcing) if they exceed the state's economic-nexus threshold. See how US sales tax works and sales tax vs use tax.

Source: Tax Foundation, "State and Local Sales Tax Rates, 2026". Verify your exact jurisdiction with the Alabama Department of Revenue. See also the Alabama minimum wage.

Nearby states

Frequently asked questions

What is the sales tax rate in Alabama?
The statewide rate is 4.00%. With the average local add-on of 5.46%, the typical combined rate is about 9.46%. Your exact city or county rate can be higher or lower.
Is Alabama's sales tax high or low?
It ranks 4 of 51 states and DC by combined rate, above the roughly 6.64% national average by 2.82%.
How much sales tax on a $100 purchase in Alabama?
About $9.46 at the typical combined rate of 9.46%, so roughly $109.46 total. Groceries and prescriptions are often taxed less or exempt.
Does this include local (city and county) taxes?
Yes — the combined figure is the Alabama state rate plus a population-weighted average of local rates. Because local rates vary within a state, your specific address may differ; confirm with the Alabama Department of Revenue.
Does Alabama tax groceries or clothing?
Most states exempt or reduce tax on groceries and prescription drugs; a few tax clothing at a reduced rate or not at all. Rules vary by state and change, so check the state Department of Revenue for the current category list.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Figures and formulas are checked against their published sources; see the site's data notes.