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New Member
posted Jun 5, 2019 2:34:49 PM

What does it mean when it tells me to put total sales tax rate

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3 Replies
Intuit Alumni
Jun 5, 2019 2:34:51 PM

It is asking for the total sales tax rate that you pay where you live.  This would include your state’s sales tax rate plus any additional local sales tax charged for your locality.

See the following TurboTax help content for some advice about how to determine your sales tax rate:

Where to Find Your Total State and Local Sales Tax Rate

Here's how to find your total state and local sales tax rate:

 - Look for the sales tax rate (percentage) on store receipts you received in 2017.

 - Ask a local merchant for the sales tax rate they charge.

 - Contact your local taxing agency.

Make sure you enter your total sales tax rate. Depending on where you lived, you could have one of the following tax rates:

1. Both state and local sales taxes: To get the total sales tax rate, add the state tax rate and the local tax rate.

2. No state or local sales tax: Enter the sales tax rate as 0.

3. State sales tax, but no local tax: Enter the state sales tax rate.

4. No state sales tax, but local tax: In this case (except Alaska residents), we cannot calculate your sales tax deduction for you. You must enter the total amount of sales tax you actually paid.


New Member
Mar 27, 2025 10:52:53 PM

why can not it calculate total tax rate by itself based on where I lived?

Expert Alumni
Mar 28, 2025 5:12:36 AM

TurboTax does not store all local tax rates since they can constantly change. 

Ask your local government (city or county) what the tax rate is for your area.