Other Taxes Guide
Sales Tax
California has the second highest sales tax of only next to Tennessee at 9.25% with additional taxes charged by counties and cities which can hike it up to around 10.75%. Sales taxes are charged on all tangible goods with some exceptions (see below), but not on services.
While some items such as alcohol and prepared foods, including restaurant food, are subject to the sales tax at a higher rate, necessities are at lower rate if any.
- Groceries – Exempt
- Prescription Drugs – Exempt
- Prepared food – 9.25%
- Clothing – 9.25%
- Over the Counter Drugs – 9.25%
See the State of California Board of Equalization website for more details.
Remember that the price you see in a shop or in a restaurant is the price before sales tax.
Property Tax
The annual property tax bill is mailed out every November. Property tax information can be for found on the L.A. County website: http://www.lacountypropertytax.com
Comprehensive property tax advice can be found at the Los Angeles County.