Nevada has a state sales tax of 6.85%, plus local taxes that vary by county
Nevada charges a state sales tax of 6.85% on most retail purchases. On top of that, your county adds a local tax that ranges from 0.75% to 1.5%, depending on where you live. The total you pay at checkout is the combination of both — so your actual rate could be anywhere from 7.6% to 8.35%.
The state rate has been 6.85% since 2015. It applies to tangible goods — clothing, electronics, groceries at the register, restaurant meals — but not to services like haircuts or car repairs. Some items are exempt entirely, which we cover below.
Nevada has no income tax, which is why the state relies more heavily on sales tax than most states do. That trade-off shapes what you'll see on your receipt.
Key Takeaways
- Nevada's state sales tax is 6.85%, and your county adds 0.75% to 1.5% on top of that, making your total rate between 7.6% and 8.35%.
- Food you buy at a grocery store is not taxed, but prepared food at restaurants and hot food at delis is taxed at the full rate.
- Clothing, shoes, and most household goods are taxed; prescription medications and medical devices are not.
- Tax rates vary by county, so a purchase in Clark County (Las Vegas area) may have a different rate than the same purchase in Washoe County (Reno area).
What is and is not taxed in Nevada
Groceries are the biggest exemption. Raw food you cook at home — produce, meat, dairy, bread, canned goods — is not taxed. But the moment that food is prepared for when ready consumption, tax applies. A sandwich from a deli counter, a rotisserie chicken, a hot pizza, or a meal at a restaurant all get taxed.
Prescription medications and medical devices like hearing aids and diabetic supplies are exempt. Over-the-counter medications like cold medicine or pain relievers are taxed as regular goods.
Clothing and footwear are taxed. There is no clothing exemption in Nevada, unlike some states. A shirt, shoes, or coat you buy will have sales tax added.
Services are generally not taxed. A haircut, car repair, plumbing work, or medical visit does not trigger sales tax. But if you buy a product as part of that service — like a bottle of shampoo at a salon — that product is taxed.
Local tax rates by county
Nevada's 17 counties each set their own local sales tax rate on top of the state 6.85%. The rates are:
| County | Local Rate | Total Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Carson City | 1.5% | 8.35% |
| Churchill | 1.5% | 8.35% |
| Clark (Las Vegas) | 1.25% | 8.1% |
| Douglas | 1.25% | 8.1% |
| Elko | 1.5% | 8.35% |
| Esmeralda | 1.5% | 8.35% |
| Eureka | 1.5% | 8.35% |
| Humboldt | 1.5% | 8.35% |
| Lander | 1.5% | 8.35% |
| Lincoln | 1.5% | 8.35% |
| Lyon | 1.5% | 8.35% |
| Mineral | 1.5% | 8.35% |
| Nye | 1.5% | 8.35% |
| Pershing | 1.5% | 8.35% |
| Storey | 1.5% | 8.35% |
| Washoe (Reno) | 1.15% | 8.0% |
| White Pine | 1.5% | 8.35% |
Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno) have lower local rates than most rural counties. If you live or shop near the Nevada border, the rate can shift noticeably depending on which side of the line you cross.
How sales tax works on online and mail orders
Nevada requires online retailers to collect and remit sales tax on orders shipped to Nevada addresses. This applies whether the retailer is based in Nevada or out of state. You pay tax based on the delivery address, not where the seller is located.
If you order something online and pick it up in a Nevada store, tax is calculated based on the store location. If you have it shipped to your home, tax is based on your home address.
Some small sellers may not yet be collecting Nevada tax, but the state's position is that tax is owed regardless. If you notice tax was not charged on an order that should have been taxed, you are not liable — the seller is responsible for remitting it.
Special situations: resale, business use, and exemptions
If you buy goods to resell them, you do not pay sales tax at the time of purchase. Instead, you provide the seller with a resale certificate, and your customer pays tax when they buy the finished product. You must register with the Nevada Department of Taxation to obtain a resale certificate.
Certain organizations — nonprofits, government agencies, and some educational institutions — may be exempt from sales tax on specific purchases. The exemption depends on the type of organization and the type of purchase. You need a tax exemption certificate from the state to claim this.
If you are unsure whether a purchase qualifies for an exemption, contact the Nevada Department of Taxation or ask the seller. Claiming an exemption you are not may have access to to can result in back taxes and penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Nevada?
No, raw groceries you cook at home are not taxed. This includes produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods. However, prepared foods like deli sandwiches, hot pizza, and restaurant meals are taxed at the full rate.
Is clothing taxed in Nevada?
Yes. Nevada taxes all clothing and footwear. There is no clothing exemption, so a shirt, pair of shoes, or coat will have sales tax added at checkout.
What is the sales tax rate in Las Vegas?
The total rate in Clark County (Las Vegas) is 8.1% — the state rate of 6.85% plus the local rate of 1.25%. Rates may vary slightly depending on the specific city or district within the county.
Do I have to pay sales tax on services like haircuts or car repairs?
No, services themselves are not taxed in Nevada. However, if you buy a product as part of that service — such as shampoo at a salon or parts at a repair shop — the product is taxed.
How do I know what rate applies to my purchase?
The rate depends on where the transaction occurs or where the item is delivered. Check your receipt, or contact the Nevada Department of Taxation at (775) 684-2000 if you need to verify the rate for a specific location.