Nevada charges a statewide sales tax of 6.85 percent, plus local taxes that vary by county

Nevada's sales tax is made up of two parts: a state portion and a local portion. The state portion is always 6.85 percent. On top of that, your county or city adds its own tax, which ranges from 0.75 percent to 1.5 percent depending on where you are. Your total sales tax rate — the number you see on a receipt — is the sum of both.

This means the total you pay varies by location. In Clark County (Las Vegas), the combined rate is 8.375 percent. In Washoe County (Reno), it is 8.375 percent. In rural counties, it may be lower. When you buy something in Nevada, the seller adds the tax that applies in that specific location.

Sales tax applies to most goods you buy in a store or online. It does not explore to groceries, prescription medications, or certain medical equipment. Services — haircuts, repairs, consulting — are generally not taxed in Nevada, though there are exceptions.

Key Takeaways

  • Nevada's state sales tax is 6.85 percent, and your county adds between 0.75 and 1.5 percent on top of that.
  • The total tax you pay depends on which county you make the purchase in, not where you live.
  • Groceries and prescription drugs are not subject to sales tax in Nevada.
  • Online purchases are taxed the same way as in-store purchases if the seller has a physical presence in Nevada.

How local tax rates break down by county

Each Nevada county sets its own local sales tax rate within state limits. The state collects the 6.85 percent, and the county keeps its portion. This is why the total rate you pay at checkout depends on your location, not on the type of business or the type of purchase.

Clark County (which includes Las Vegas and Henderson) and Washoe County (which includes Reno and Sparks) both charge 1.525 percent locally, bringing their combined rate to 8.375 percent. Smaller counties charge less. Douglas County charges 0.75 percent locally, for a combined rate of 7.6 percent. If you cross county lines to shop, you pay the tax rate of the county where the purchase happens.

Some counties also allow cities within them to add a small additional tax for specific purposes like transportation or schools. This is rare and affects only a few locations, but it means two stores in the same county might have slightly different rates if one is in a city with an extra local tax.

What items are taxed and what are not

Most physical goods are subject to sales tax in Nevada. Clothing, electronics, furniture, and household items all get taxed. The tax applies whether you buy in person or online.

Food and medicine have different rules. Groceries — items you buy at a supermarket to cook at home — are not taxed. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, and meat. However, prepared food (restaurant meals, deli items ready to eat, hot food from a store) is taxed. Prescription medications are not taxed. Over-the-counter medicines and vitamins are taxed.

Services are generally not taxed. A haircut, car repair, plumbing work, or accounting service does not have sales tax added. However, if you buy a physical product as part of a service (like materials in a construction job), the product portion may be taxed depending on how the invoice is written.

Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases

If you buy something online from a company that has a warehouse, office, or other physical location in Nevada, Nevada sales tax applies. This is true even if the company is based elsewhere. The seller collects the tax and sends it to Nevada.

If you buy from a company with no physical presence in Nevada, the seller may not collect Nevada sales tax at checkout. However, Nevada law requires you to pay use tax on those purchases — it is the same rate as sales tax, and you owe it to the state. Most people do not pay use tax voluntarily, but it is technically your responsibility.

The practical effect is this: large online retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Target) collect Nevada sales tax because they have distribution centers or offices in the state. Smaller sellers without a Nevada presence may not. If you are unsure whether tax was charged, check your receipt or the seller's tax policy.

Who collects and where the money goes

The business where you make the purchase — the store, restaurant, or online retailer — collects the sales tax from you and holds it. That business then sends the tax to Nevada's Department of Taxation on a regular schedule, usually monthly or quarterly depending on the business size.

The state keeps the 6.85 percent portion. The local portion (0.75 to 1.5 percent) goes to the county where the purchase occurred. Counties use this money for schools, roads, public services, and other local needs. Some counties direct a portion to cities within their boundaries.

Businesses are required to register with the Department of Taxation and report their sales. If a business does not collect or send in the tax, the state can pursue the business and, in some cases, hold the business owner personally responsible.

Sales tax on specific items you might question

Gasoline is taxed, but the tax is built into the price per gallon rather than added at the pump. You do not see it listed separately, but it is there.

Alcohol is taxed at the regular sales tax rate, plus Nevada has separate excise taxes on beer, wine, and spirits that are also built into the price.

Used items sold by a private person (a car sold between friends, a used book sold online) are not subject to sales tax. Used items sold by a business (a used car lot, a used bookstore) are taxed.

Rental cars are subject to sales tax in Nevada, and the tax is usually added to your final bill. Hotel rooms are also taxed, though Nevada calls this a room tax rather than sales tax — the rate is set by county and is separate from sales tax.

Clothing is taxed in Nevada, including shoes, hats, and accessories. There is no clothing exemption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total sales tax rate in Las Vegas?

In Clark County (Las Vegas and Henderson), the combined state and local sales tax rate is 8.375 percent. This rate applies to all taxable purchases made in that county.

Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Nevada?

No. Groceries — food you buy at a supermarket to prepare at home — are not taxed in Nevada. This includes produce, meat, dairy, and packaged foods. Prepared foods like restaurant meals and hot deli items are taxed.

If I buy something online from out of state, do I owe Nevada sales tax?

If the seller has no physical presence in Nevada, they typically do not collect Nevada tax. However, Nevada law requires you to pay use tax on the purchase at the same rate as sales tax. Most individuals do not pay this voluntarily, but it is technically owed to the state.

Are prescription medications taxed in Nevada?

No. Prescription medications are not subject to sales tax. Over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements are taxed at the regular rate.

How do I know what sales tax rate applies to my purchase?

The rate that applies is the one in the county where you make the purchase, not where you live. Check your receipt — it will show the tax rate charged. If you are shopping online, the seller will charge the rate for the county where they have a physical presence, or where the item is being shipped if they have nexus in that location.