Estimate only — not tax advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See methodology and sources.
Vermont Sales Tax
State + average local combined rate, category exemptions, and how it compares to neighbors.
State rate
6.00%
Average combined (state + local)
6.36%
Category exemptions
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Exempt | Unprepared food at grocery stores. |
| Clothing | Exempt | Clothing & footwear exempt (jewelry, accessories taxed) |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Prescribed medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. |
Example: $100 purchase
- State sales tax only: $6.00
- Combined (state + average local): $6.36
- Total with combined tax: $106.36
Major cities in Vermont
| City | Combined rate | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
| Burlington | 7.00% | +0.64% |
| Essex | 7.00% | +0.64% |
| South Burlington | 7.00% | +0.64% |
| Colchester | 6.00% | -0.36% |
| Rutland | 7.00% | +0.64% |
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 VT | Save on $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont (current) | 6.00% | 6.36% | — | — |
| New Hampshire | 0.00% | 0.00% | -6.36% | $63.60 |
| Massachusetts | 6.25% | 6.25% | -0.11% | $1.10 |
| New York | 4.00% | 8.53% | +2.17% | — |
Common questions
- What is the sales tax rate in Vermont?
- Vermont levies a 6.00% state sales tax. With local taxes added, the statewide average combined rate is 6.36%. Actual rate at the register depends on your city and county.
- Does Vermont tax groceries?
- Groceries are exempt from state sales tax in Vermont. Hot or prepared food typically remains taxable.
- Does Vermont have a sales tax holiday?
- Vermont 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 Vermont?
- The Vermont 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 Vermont 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 Vermont DOR for current rules. All states →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy