Iowa Sales Tax Calculator
Figure the tax, the total, or the pre-tax price for any U.S. state or city rate
Iowa levies a 6% state sales tax on most retail purchases of tangible personal property and taxable services. On top of that, the majority of Iowa jurisdictions have adopted the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST), an additional 1% approved by local voters. As a result, the average combined rate across Iowa is approximately 6.94%, according to the Tax Foundation — and in most cities and counties, the effective rate is a clean 7%.
The LOST program lets cities and unincorporated county areas vote on whether to impose the extra 1%. As of 2025, virtually all 99 Iowa counties have adopted it, so the 7% combined rate applies to the vast majority of purchases made in the state.
Worked example: Say you buy a new appliance in Des Moines (7% combined rate) priced at $100. Your sales tax would be $7.00, making your total $107.00. If you're shopping in a rare area that only charges the 6% state rate, the tax on that same $100 would be $6.00.
What is NOT taxed? Iowa exempts unprepared grocery food (bread, milk, fresh produce) from sales tax. Prescription drugs and many medical devices are also exempt. However, candy, soft drinks, and prepared restaurant meals are fully taxable.
To use this calculator, enter the purchase amount in the Amount field and verify the Rate field matches your local combined rate (the prefilled 6.94% is the statewide average; update to 7% if you're in a LOST jurisdiction, which covers most of Iowa).
Practical example — Iowa
A $350 electronics purchase in Iowa City (7% combined rate) generates $24.50 in sales tax, for a total of $374.50 at checkout.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Iowa?
Iowa's state sales tax rate is 6%. Most Iowa cities and counties also impose a 1% Local Option Sales Tax (LOST), bringing the combined rate to 7% for the majority of Iowa shoppers. The Tax Foundation reports the statewide average combined rate at approximately 6.94%.
Does Iowa have a local sales tax?
Yes. Iowa allows cities and unincorporated county areas to adopt a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) of 1% through a public vote. As of 2025, virtually all 99 Iowa counties have enacted LOST, so nearly all purchases in Iowa are taxed at 7% combined (6% state + 1% local).
Are groceries taxed in Iowa?
Unprepared grocery food intended for home consumption — such as fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, and milk — is exempt from Iowa sales tax. However, candy, soft drinks, and prepared food (restaurant meals, deli hot food) are taxable at the standard combined rate.
Are prescription drugs exempt from Iowa sales tax?
Yes. Prescription medications are fully exempt from Iowa sales tax. Certain medical devices are also exempt. Over-the-counter medicines, however, may be taxable depending on the specific product.
How do I calculate Iowa sales tax on a purchase?
Multiply the purchase price by the applicable rate. In most Iowa locations with LOST, that is 7% (0.07). For example, a $250 purchase: $250 × 0.07 = $17.50 in tax, for a total of $267.50. Use our calculator above — just enter the amount and your local rate.