Estimate only - not tax advice. Methodology and sources.
Wisconsin Sales Tax
State + average local combined rate, category exemptions, and how it compares to neighbors.
State rate
5.00%
Average combined (state + local)
5.43%
Wisconsin vs neighboring states
5.43%
6.00%
6.94%
8.05%
8.88%
WI
MI
IA
MN
IL
Category exemptions
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Exempt | Unprepared food at grocery stores. |
| 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: $5.00
- Combined (state + average local): $5.43
- Total with combined tax: $105.43
Major cities in Wisconsin
Border shopping - vs neighboring states
For larger purchases, driving to a neighbor with lower combined rate can save real money.
Common questions
- What is the sales tax rate in Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin levies a 5.00% state sales tax. With local taxes added, the statewide average combined rate is 5.43%. Actual rate at the register depends on your city and county.
- Does Wisconsin tax groceries?
- Groceries are exempt from state sales tax in Wisconsin. Hot or prepared food typically remains taxable.
- Does Wisconsin have a sales tax holiday?
- Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
- The Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin DOR for current rules. All states →
Last reviewed: · Reviewed by kgenots, Editor · editorial policy