North Dakota Sales Tax Calculator
Figure the tax, the total, or the pre-tax price for any U.S. state or city rate
North Dakota imposes a state sales tax rate of 5.00% on most retail sales of tangible personal property and certain services. However, local jurisdictions — cities and counties — are permitted to levy additional sales taxes on top of the state rate, which pushes the average combined (state + local) rate to approximately 6.89%, according to the Tax Foundation's 2025 data.
Not every purchase triggers the full combined rate. Many localities add between 1% and 2%, so the rate you pay depends heavily on where in North Dakota the sale takes place. Cities like Fargo and Bismarck have their own local rates that bring the total above the state base.
Groceries are largely exempt from North Dakota sales tax. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and other unprepared food ingredients are not taxed. However, prepared foods sold ready to eat, candy, and soft drinks (including fruit drinks with 50% or less juice content) remain taxable at the full combined rate.
Worked example: You buy a $100 jacket in a city with a 2% local sales tax. The combined rate is 7% (5% state + 2% local). Tax owed = $7.00, making your total $107.00. In a city with no local add-on, the same jacket costs $105.00.
Use this calculator to estimate the sales tax on any purchase in North Dakota. Enter the applicable combined rate for your location and the purchase amount to see your tax and final total. These are estimates for budgeting purposes — always verify the exact rate for your specific city or county with the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner.
Practical example — North Dakota
A $250 appliance purchased in a North Dakota city with a 6.89% combined rate incurs approximately $17.23 in sales tax, bringing the total to $267.23.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in North Dakota?
North Dakota's state sales tax rate is 5.00%. Most shoppers pay a higher combined rate because cities and counties can add their own local taxes, bringing the statewide average combined rate to about 6.89% in 2025.
Does North Dakota have local sales tax on top of the state rate?
Yes. North Dakota cities and counties can levy local sales taxes. Rates vary by jurisdiction — some add 1%, others 2% or more. Always check the rate for the specific city or county where your purchase is made.
Are groceries taxed in North Dakota?
Most groceries are exempt from North Dakota sales tax. Unprepared food items like produce, meat, dairy, and packaged staples are not taxed. However, prepared foods, candy, and soft drinks (less than 50% juice) are subject to the full sales tax rate.
What is the sales tax rate in Fargo or Bismarck, North Dakota?
Fargo and Bismarck both have local sales taxes on top of the 5% state rate. The combined rate in these cities typically exceeds the statewide average. Check the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner or your city's website for the exact current rate.
How do I calculate North Dakota sales tax on a purchase?
Multiply the purchase price by the combined rate (state + local) expressed as a decimal. For example, $200 at a 7% combined rate: $200 × 0.07 = $14.00 in tax, for a total of $214.00. Use the calculator above to do this instantly for any amount.