Virginia sales tax affects every purchase you make in the Commonwealth. Whether you’re grabbing groceries in Richmond or shopping online from Fairfax, you’ll pay some form of sales tax on most items. The good news? Virginia’s rates sit below the national average. The state also offers key exemptions that save shoppers real money. This guide breaks down exactly what you’ll pay, what’s tax-free, and how to keep more cash in your pocket when shopping in Virginia.
Virginia Sales Tax Rate: The Basics
The base Virginia sales tax rate combines a 4.3% state tax with a mandatory 1% local tax. That gives every locality a minimum combined rate of 5.3%. However, three major regions add an extra 0.7% transportation surcharge. This brings the combined rate to 6% in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Central Virginia. The statewide average combined rate is approximately 5.75%.
For comparison, the national average combined state and local sales tax rate is about 6.45%. As a result, Virginia shoppers pay less than consumers in most other states. Here’s how the Virginia sales tax rate breaks down:
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| State sales tax | 4.3% |
| Mandatory local tax (all localities) | 1.0% |
| Regional transportation surcharge (select areas) | 0.7% |
| Minimum combined rate (rural areas) | 5.3% |
| Maximum combined rate (major metro areas) | 6.0% |
| Statewide average combined rate | 5.75% |
Most Virginia shoppers in populated areas pay the full 6%. Only those in smaller towns and rural counties outside the three transportation districts pay the lower 5.3% rate.
What Virginia Does and Does Not Tax
Virginia sales tax doesn’t apply to everything you buy. The state exempts several categories that matter to everyday shoppers. Specifically, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are completely tax-free. Virginia is one of only about nine states that exempts OTC drugs. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids are also exempt.
Groceries get special treatment in Virginia. Food purchased for home consumption is taxed at a reduced rate of just 1%. This covers bread, milk, eggs, produce, and most packaged cold foods. However, candy, soft drinks, and prepared hot foods do not qualify for the reduced rate. They’re taxed at the full Virginia sales tax rate.
One important note for clothing shoppers: Virginia taxes clothing and footwear at the full rate year-round. There is no general clothing exemption. If you’re planning a major wardrobe purchase, timing it during the annual sales tax holiday can save you money.
| Category | Tax Status | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries (food for home consumption) | Reduced rate | 1% |
| Clothing and footwear | Fully taxed | 5.3% – 6% |
| Prescription medications | Exempt | 0% |
| Over-the-counter medications | Exempt | 0% |
| Eyeglasses and contact lenses | Exempt | 0% |
| Prepared food and restaurant meals | Fully taxed | 5.3% – 6% |
| Candy and soft drinks | Fully taxed | 5.3% – 6% |
| Electronics and appliances | Fully taxed | 5.3% – 6% |
| Diapers and feminine hygiene products | Reduced rate | 1% |
Virginia Sales Tax by City and County
Unlike many states, Virginia’s local rate structure is straightforward. Every locality charges the same 1% local tax. The only difference comes from the 0.7% regional transportation surcharge. In addition, this surcharge applies to three large metro regions that cover most of the state’s population.
Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Central Virginia all fall within transportation districts. If you shop in any of these areas, you pay 6%. If you shop in areas like Roanoke, Lynchburg, or Charlottesville, you pay 5.3%. Here are the combined Virginia sales tax rates for major cities:
| City / County | Region | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Arlington | Northern Virginia | 6.0% |
| Alexandria | Northern Virginia | 6.0% |
| Fairfax County | Northern Virginia | 6.0% |
| Loudoun County | Northern Virginia | 6.0% |
| Richmond | Central Virginia | 6.0% |
| Virginia Beach | Hampton Roads | 6.0% |
| Norfolk | Hampton Roads | 6.0% |
| Roanoke | None | 5.3% |
| Charlottesville | None | 5.3% |
| Lynchburg | None | 5.3% |
For example, a $500 laptop in Fairfax costs $30 in sales tax. That same laptop in Roanoke costs $26.50 in tax. The difference is small on individual purchases but adds up over a year of spending.
Virginia Sales Tax Holidays
Virginia holds an annual sales tax holiday on the first full weekend of August. For 2026, the tax-free weekend runs from Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9. Both state and local taxes are waived during this period. Participation is mandatory for all Virginia retailers.
The holiday covers several categories with per-item price limits. School supplies must be $20 or less per item. Clothing and footwear must be $100 or less per item. Hurricane and emergency preparedness items must be $60 or less. Portable generators qualify up to $1,000. Energy Star and WaterSense products qualify up to $2,500 per item.
| Category | Per-Item Price Limit | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| School supplies | $20 or less | Notebooks, pens, backpacks, calculators |
| Clothing and footwear | $100 or less | Shirts, pants, shoes, coats, socks |
| Emergency preparedness | $60 or less | Flashlights, batteries, first aid kits |
| Portable generators | $1,000 or less | Home-use portable generators |
| Energy Star / WaterSense products | $2,500 or less | Qualifying appliances and fixtures |
The Virginia sales tax holiday applies to both in-store and online purchases shipped to Virginia addresses. This makes it a great time to stack coupons and cashback offers with the tax savings for maximum value. Plan your back-to-school shopping around this weekend to save up to 6% on qualifying items.
Online Shopping and Virginia Sales Tax
Virginia uses destination-based sourcing for sales tax. This means the tax rate is based on your shipping address, not the seller’s location. If you live in Fairfax and order from a retailer in Roanoke, you pay the 6% Fairfax rate.
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All major online retailers collect Virginia sales tax automatically. Amazon, Walmart, Target, eBay, and Etsy are all required to collect and remit tax under Virginia’s marketplace facilitator law. This law makes the marketplace responsible for collecting tax on all third-party sales. You don’t need to calculate or report anything separately on these purchases.
However, if you buy from a small out-of-state seller who doesn’t collect Virginia sales tax, you technically owe use tax at the same rate. This should be reported on your Virginia income tax return. For tips on finding the best online deals while managing tax costs, check out our complete guide to saving money shopping online.
Smart Shopping Tips for Virginia
1. Stock up during the August tax-free weekend. The Virginia sales tax holiday is your best chance to buy clothing, school supplies, and emergency gear tax-free. Plan larger purchases for this weekend. Combine the tax savings with back-to-school sales for even deeper discounts.
2. Buy groceries strategically. Groceries are taxed at just 1% in Virginia. However, candy, soda, and prepared foods are taxed at the full rate. Cooking at home instead of buying prepared meals saves you both on the food cost and on the Virginia sales tax you’d pay.
3. Use cashback apps to offset tax costs. Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Capital One Shopping can return 1-10% on purchases. That cashback can more than cover the sales tax on many items. In addition, stacking these with store sales makes a noticeable difference over time.
4. Take advantage of Virginia’s OTC drug exemption. Unlike most states, Virginia doesn’t tax over-the-counter medications. Stock up on cold medicine, pain relievers, and allergy medication without paying a penny in sales tax. This is a genuine perk that many shoppers overlook.
5. Consider nearby states for big purchases. Delaware has no sales tax at all. If you’re in Northern Virginia and making a major purchase, a trip to Delaware could save you 6% on big-ticket items. Specifically, the Christiana Mall and Tanger Outlets in Delaware are popular destinations for tax-free shopping. Check our shopping guides for more strategies like this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax rate in Virginia?
The base Virginia sales tax rate is 5.3%, combining a 4.3% state tax with a 1% local tax. In Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Central Virginia, an additional 0.7% transportation surcharge brings the total to 6%. Most shoppers in major metro areas pay 6%.
Are groceries taxed in Virginia?
Yes, but at a significantly reduced rate. Groceries purchased for home consumption are taxed at just 1% in Virginia. This includes staples like bread, milk, eggs, and produce. However, candy, soft drinks, and prepared foods are taxed at the full Virginia sales tax rate of 5.3% to 6%.
Does Virginia have a sales tax holiday?
Yes. Virginia holds an annual sales tax holiday on the first full weekend of August. In 2026, the tax-free weekend runs August 7-9. Qualifying items include school supplies ($20 or less per item), clothing and footwear ($100 or less per item), emergency preparedness supplies ($60 or less), portable generators ($1,000 or less), and Energy Star products ($2,500 or less). The Virginia sales tax holiday applies to both in-store and online purchases.
Start Saving on Every Purchase
Now that you know your state’s sales tax rates, use that knowledge to time your purchases and stack savings. Combine tax-free shopping periods with cashback apps and coupon codes to keep more money in your pocket.
Official Sources
- Tax Foundation — state and local sales tax data
- IRS.gov — federal tax information
- FTC Consumer Information — shopping rights and protections
Rates current as of May 2026. Sales tax rates change periodically. Always verify current rates with your state’s revenue department.