Retail Sales & Use Tax
In general, all sales, leases, and rentals of tangible personal property in or for use in Virginia, as well as accommodations and certain taxable services, are subject to Virginia sales and use tax, unless an exemption or exception is established.
Sales Tax Rates
The sales tax rate for most locations in Virginia is 5.3%. Three areas have an additional regional tax as outlined below:
- Hampton Roads - 6% - Includes:
- Chesapeake
- Franklin
- Hampton
- Isle of Wight County
- Newport News
- Norfolk
- Poquoson
- Portsmouth
- Southampton County
- Suffolk
- Virginia Beach
- Historic Triangle - 7% - Includes:
- James City County
- Williamsburg
- York County
- Northern Virginia - 6%
- Alexandria
- Arlington County
- Fairfax
- Fairfax County
- Falls Church
- Loudoun County
- Manassas
- Manassas Park
- Prince William County
- Everywhere Else - 5.3%
Grocery Items
In all of Virginia, food for home consumption (e.g. grocery items) is taxed at a reduced rate of 2.5%. Beginning January 1, 2020, certain essential personal hygiene items will also be taxed at the reduced rate.
Motor Vehicles
Sales of aircraft, watercraft, and motor vehicles are taxed at different rates than those listed above. For more information about the motor vehicle sales tax, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles.