Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon are the four states where you won't pay any sales tax on clothing, as these states do not impose a statewide sales tax at all.
States with No Clothing Sales Tax
In the United States, clothing purchases are completely exempt from sales tax in a select few states. This exemption isn't typically due to a specific rule for clothing, but rather because these states do not have a general statewide sales tax. Therefore, if there's no sales tax on anything, there's certainly no sales tax on clothing.
The states where clothing is entirely exempt from sales tax are:
| State | Reason for No Clothing Tax |
|---|---|
| Delaware | No statewide sales tax |
| Montana | No statewide sales tax |
| New Hampshire | No statewide sales tax |
| Oregon | No statewide sales tax |
Understanding Sales Tax on Clothing
While the above four states offer complete exemption, in any other U.S. state, sales tax may apply when you purchase clothes. Most states levy a sales tax on goods and services, which generally includes apparel. However, some states might offer specific sales tax holidays or exemptions for certain types of clothing or during particular periods, but these are exceptions to the general rule.
Key takeaways regarding clothing sales tax:
- No Statewide Sales Tax: The states of Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon stand out because they do not collect any statewide sales tax, making all purchases, including clothing, tax-free.
- General Rule: For the majority of states, expect to pay a sales tax on clothing items, as they are typically categorized as tangible personal property subject to sales tax.
- Local Taxes: Even in states with no statewide sales tax, or those with specific exemptions, local jurisdictions (cities, counties) might impose their own taxes, though this is less common for general sales tax in the four states listed.
Understanding state sales tax policies can be beneficial for shoppers, especially when considering large purchases or planning shopping trips. For a broader overview of sales tax across the United States, you can refer to general resources on state sales tax rates from reputable tax policy organizations.
