The four states with no sales tax
Oregon, Delaware, Montana and New Hampshire have no statewide sales tax and no general local sales tax. Alaska has no state sales tax, but many cities and boroughs add their own, so the average is 1.82%.
Example: a $500 laptop at 20% off
20% off $500 is $100, so the price is $400.00. In Oregon that is also the total: $400.00. Here is the same purchase in nearby and popular states, using 2026 average rates:
| State | State rate | Avg combined | Sales tax on $400 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 0% | 0.00% | $0.00 | $400.00 |
| Delaware | 0% | 0.00% | $0.00 | $400.00 |
| Montana | 0% | 0.00% | $0.00 | $400.00 |
| New Hampshire | 0% | 0.00% | $0.00 | $400.00 |
| Alaska | 0% | 1.82% | $7.28 | $407.28 |
| Washington | 6.5% | 9.57% | $38.28 | $438.28 |
| California | 7.25% | 9.03% | $36.12 | $436.12 |
| Pennsylvania | 6% | 6.34% | $25.36 | $425.36 |
| Maryland | 6% | 6.00% | $24.00 | $424.00 |
Compared with Washingtonβs average combined rate of 9.57%, shopping in Oregon saves $38.28 on this laptop. On a $2,000 shopping trip, the difference is closer to $190.
The one rule to know: use tax
If you live in a state that has sales tax and you buy something in a no-tax state to use at home, your home state generally expects you to pay use tax at the same rate. It is usually reported on your state income tax return. In practice, many people do not know about it, but it is the law in every state with a sales tax, and it matters most for big purchases like furniture, appliances or electronics.
Two more things to keep in mind:
- Cars and other registered vehicles are different: you pay tax when you register the vehicle in your home state, wherever you bought it.
- Online orders are taxed based on the delivery address. Shipping to your home in a taxing state means you pay that stateβs tax.
Small exceptions worth knowing
- New Hampshire has no sales tax on goods, but it does charge a tax on restaurant meals and hotel rooms.
- Montana: a few resort towns charge a small local resort tax on some purchases.
- Delaware taxes businesses on their gross receipts instead. You never see it on your receipt.
Is the trip worth it?
Be kind to your budget: count gas, parking and your time. For a $100 purchase, saving $9 may not cover the drive. For a big-ticket item that you would buy anyway, it can add up. The calculator above lets you compare any state in seconds.
FAQ
Which states have no sales tax in 2026?
Oregon, Delaware, Montana and New Hampshire have no general state or local sales tax. Alaska has no state sales tax, but local taxes average 1.82%.
How much is a $500 laptop at 20% off in Oregon?
$400.00. There is no sales tax in Oregon, so the price after the discount is the total. In Washington, at the 9.57% average rate, it would be $438.28.
Do I owe tax at home if I shop in a no-sales-tax state?
Often, yes. Most states with a sales tax require residents to pay use tax on items bought tax-free elsewhere and brought home, usually through the state income tax return.
Sources (checked 5 November 2026): Tax Foundation, βState and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026β (rates as of July 1, 2026; Tax Foundation reports no statewide rate changes between January and July 2026), cross-checked against sales.tax midyear 2026 summary. Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday of November (5 U.S.C. Β§ 6103).