Norfolk Sales Tax
Virginia. Combined state + county + city. Category exemptions and how it compares to neighboring states.
Category exemptions in Virginia
What gets taxed and what's exempt — these rules apply across the entire state of Virginia, including Norfolk.
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Reduced rate | 1% reduced state rate (vs 5.3% standard) |
| Clothing | Taxed (full rate) | Everyday apparel and footwear. |
| 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 Virginia.
| State | Reference city | Rate | vs Norfolk | $1,000 savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia (current) | Norfolk | 6.00% | — | — |
| Maryland | Baltimore | 6.00% | +0.00% | — |
| District of Columbia | Washington | 6.00% | +0.00% | — |
| Kentucky | Louisville | 6.00% | +0.00% | — |
| North Carolina | Greensboro | 6.75% | +0.75% | — |
| West Virginia | Charleston | 7.00% | +1.00% | — |
| Tennessee | Nashville | 9.25% | +3.25% | — |
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 Virginia
Common questions
- What is the total sales tax rate in Norfolk?
- Norfolk, Virginia charges a combined sales tax of 6.00%. That's 5.30% state tax plus 0.70% local (county + city + special district) on top.
- Are groceries taxed in Norfolk?
- Virginia applies a reduced rate to groceries. 1% reduced state rate (vs 5.3% standard)
- Is clothing taxed in Norfolk?
- Yes — Virginia taxes clothing at the full combined rate of 6.00%.
- How do I save on sales tax when shopping in Norfolk?
- Three levers: (1) shop online from a state with no sales tax, (2) buy exempt categories (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 Virginia Department of Revenue for current rules. Methodology → Virginia state rate →
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