Estimate only — not tax advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See methodology and sources.
Delaware Sales Tax
No sales tax
State rate
0.00%
Average combined (state + local)
0.00%
Category exemptions
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | No state sales tax | No sales tax of any kind |
| Clothing | No state sales tax | Everyday apparel and footwear. |
| Prescription drugs | No state sales tax | Prescribed medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. |
Example: $100 purchase
- State sales tax only: $0.00
- Combined (state + average local): $0.00
- Total with combined tax: $100.00
Major cities in Delaware
| City | Combined rate | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | 0.00% | +0.00% |
| Dover | 0.00% | +0.00% |
| Newark | 0.00% | +0.00% |
| Middletown | 0.00% | +0.00% |
| Bear | 0.00% | +0.00% |
Border shopping — vs neighboring states
For larger purchases, driving to a neighbor with lower combined rate can save real money.
| State | State rate | Avg combined | vs DE | Save on $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware (current) | 0.00% | 0.00% | — | — |
| Maryland | 6.00% | 6.00% | +6.00% | — |
| Pennsylvania | 6.00% | 6.34% | +6.34% | — |
| New Jersey | 6.63% | 6.63% | +6.63% | — |
Common questions
- What is the sales tax rate in Delaware?
- Delaware levies a 0.00% state sales tax. With local taxes added, the statewide average combined rate is 0.00%. Actual rate at the register depends on your city and county.
- Does Delaware tax groceries?
- Delaware has no state sales tax of any kind.
- Does Delaware have a sales tax holiday?
- Delaware does not run an annual sales tax holiday. For tax-free shopping, consider neighboring states with holidays, or use online retailers based in no-sales-tax states (OR, MT, NH, DE) — though use tax may still apply on out-of-state purchases.
- Who collects sales tax in Delaware?
- The Delaware Department of Revenue collects state-level sales tax; counties and cities add local rates that are remitted through the same return. Out-of-state sellers shipping to Delaware must collect if they exceed economic nexus thresholds (typically $100k in sales or 200 transactions).
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Local rates vary by city and county — your actual rate at the register may differ from the state average. Category-specific exemptions (groceries, prescription drugs, clothing) and tax holidays change by year; check the Delaware DOR for current rules. All states →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy