Estimate only — not tax advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See methodology and sources.
Georgia Sales Tax
State + average local combined rate, category exemptions, and how it compares to neighbors.
State rate
4.00%
Average combined (state + local)
7.38%
Category exemptions
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Reduced rate | Exempt from state portion; local tax may apply |
| Clothing | Taxed (full rate) | Everyday apparel and footwear. |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Prescribed medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. |
Example: $100 purchase
- State sales tax only: $4.00
- Combined (state + average local): $7.38
- Total with combined tax: $107.38
Major cities in Georgia
| City | Combined rate | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 8.90% | +1.52% |
| Augusta | 8.00% | +0.62% |
| Columbus | 8.00% | +0.62% |
| Savannah | 7.00% | -0.38% |
| Athens | 8.00% | +0.62% |
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 GA | Save on $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia (current) | 4.00% | 7.38% | — | — |
| Florida | 6.00% | 7.00% | -0.38% | $3.80 |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 7.03% | -0.35% | $3.50 |
| South Carolina | 6.00% | 7.44% | +0.06% | — |
| Alabama | 4.00% | 9.29% | +1.91% | — |
| Tennessee | 7.00% | 9.55% | +2.17% | — |
Common questions
- What is the sales tax rate in Georgia?
- Georgia levies a 4.00% state sales tax. With local taxes added, the statewide average combined rate is 7.38%. Actual rate at the register depends on your city and county.
- Does Georgia tax groceries?
- Georgia applies a reduced rate to groceries. Exempt from state portion; local tax may apply
- Does Georgia have a sales tax holiday?
- Georgia 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 Georgia?
- The Georgia 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 Georgia 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 Georgia DOR for current rules. All states →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy