What is the sales tax in Orange County, California?

Sales tax is charged to all shoppers in an equal fashion. It is a flat rate tax that seems to affect those who have little money more completely. There is some exception to these sales taxes. For instance, California has chosen to not tax grocery food items that are bought with the intention for humans to eat. However, do expect to pay tax on foods purchased at restaurants and fast food eateries.

California does charge a sales tax rate of 6 percent statewide. Orange County chooses to assess an additional sales tax for certain items. This includes a .25 percent and a tax rate of 1.5 percent. Essentially, this means that the combined sales tax that both California and Orange County impose is 7.75 percent.

Also, certain cities or municipalities can choose to impose additional sales taxes. For instance, Fountain Valley raises their sales tax rate to more than the county 7.75 percent. The bottom line is in order to determine how much sales tax you will be paying you need to check with the specific city or the specific shopping venue. It is worth noting that Orange County charges less tax than its neighboring Los Angeles County. Therefore, many people choose to do their shopping in Orange County versus Los Angeles.