Colchester Sales Tax
Vermont. Combined state + county + city. Category exemptions and how it compares to neighboring states.
Category exemptions in Vermont
What gets taxed and what's exempt — these rules apply across the entire state of Vermont, including Colchester.
| 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. |
Sales tax on common amounts
| Purchase | Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.60 | $10.60 |
| $50 | $3.00 | $53.00 |
| $100 | $6.00 | $106.00 |
| $250 | $15.00 | $265.00 |
| $500 | $30.00 | $530.00 |
| $1,000 | $60.00 | $1060.00 |
| $5,000 | $300.00 | $5300.00 |
| $10,000 | $600.00 | $10600.00 |
Border shopping — neighboring states
For larger purchases, driving to a neighboring state with lower sales tax can save real money. Top metro sales tax in each contiguous neighbor of Vermont.
| State | Reference city | Rate | vs Colchester | $1,000 savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont (current) | Colchester | 6.00% | — | — |
| New Hampshire | Manchester | 0.00% | -6.00% | $60.00 |
| Massachusetts | Boston | 6.25% | +0.25% | — |
| New York | Rochester | 8.00% | +2.00% | — |
Use tax (state where you live) may still apply on out-of-state purchases for items shipped or for registered goods like vehicles. For everyday retail walked across the border, savings are realized at point of sale.
Other cities in Vermont
Common questions
- What is the total sales tax rate in Colchester?
- Colchester, Vermont charges a combined sales tax of 6.00%. That's 6.00% state tax plus 0.00% local (county + city + special district) on top.
- Are groceries taxed in Colchester?
- Vermont exempts unprepared groceries from state sales tax. Hot or prepared food (deli, restaurant, hot bar) is still taxable at the full combined rate.
- Is clothing taxed in Colchester?
- Vermont treats clothing favorably. Clothing & footwear exempt (jewelry, accessories taxed)
- How do I save on sales tax when shopping in Colchester?
- Three levers: (1) shop online from a state with no sales tax, (2) buy exempt categories (groceries, clothing, prescription drugs), (3) drive across the border if a nearby state has a lower rate.
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Local sales tax rates change frequently and may include special district levies not modeled here. Verify with the retailer or local taxing authority for large purchases. Category exemption rules and tax holidays change by year — check the Vermont Department of Revenue for current rules. Methodology → Vermont state rate →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy