States Without Sales Tax

The sales tax laws for states within the United States are not subject to federal regulation. Each state has control over its own base sales tax. Sales taxes are typically imposed on retail transactions and certain services. In addition to base sales taxes, certain municipalities and counties impose additional surtaxes. For example, the sales tax in New York State is 4.5%, but New York City has additional taxes making the rate 8.875%. While certain goods such as groceries, prescription and non-prescription drugs, and clothing may be exempt from the state’s general sales tax, these same goods may be subject to local sales taxes. As of October 2016, Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon do not impose state sales taxes, but each state has its own regulation on excise taxes, income taxes and taxes imposed on tourist locations.

While there is no sales tax in Alaska, local governments are endowed with the ability to impose taxes on certain goods and services. In Juneau, the sales tax is 5%, while Anchorage and Fairbanks do not have sales taxes. The tax on gas is the lowest in the nation at 12 cents per gallon. Sales taxes are levied on the distributors or wholesalers of alcoholic beverages and are incurred at a flat rate. There is an excise tax of $34.50 for passengers on commercial vessels with overnight accommodations. There are additional taxes on motor fuel for which consumers may claim refunds.

In lieu of a sales tax, Delaware assesses a gross receipts tax on certain businesses. Delaware makes extensive use of excise taxes that are levied as a flat rate per gallon on goods such as motor fuel and alcohol. There is a tax of $1.60 per pack of cigarettes. The state has relatively high corporate income taxes and imposes additional taxation on specific distributors of goods and services, allowing the state to have a 0% property tax and sales tax. Delaware's 0% sales tax has made the state attractive for art dealers and collectors who wish to escape hefty sales tax bills on paintings and related pieces.

The areas of Montana that attract many tourists and house resorts have a low sales tax of up to 3%, referred to as a resort and local option tax. To qualify for this tax, a city must have a permanent population of under 5,500; the purpose of this tax is to support infrastructure frequented by tourists. These locations include Whitefish, Red Lodge, Big Sky and West Yellowstone. Lodging facilities and car companies typically charge a sales tax. Montana differs from other states in that local jurisdictions are not permitted to collect sales taxes.

A sales tax of 9% exists on prepared meals in restaurants, short-term room rentals and car rentals There is also a 7% tax on phone services and a 1.5% tax on real estate sales. Excise taxes are imposed on sales of gasoline, tobacco, beer and electricity. Local governments are not allowed to declare sales taxes in light of the statewide 0% sales tax. Taxes on these goods are not due on B2B transactions when the buyer intends to resell the product. A timber tax is imposed at the time of cutting at 10% the value of the wood, excluding cutting for personal use. New Hampshire's tax treatment is also favorable in that its income tax is only subject to interest income and dividend income.

Municipalities in Oregon may impose sales taxes on certain goods. There are phone service taxes, tobacco taxes and an excise tax on prepackaged alcoholic beverages. Local governments can impose sales taxes, as in the case of Ashland’s 5% tax on prepared foods. Oregon has a high personal income tax relative to other states, but it does not tax intangible properties, such as stock accounts and bonds.