Utah Sales Tax Rate Explained
Utah's state sales tax is 6.10%, a figure that includes a uniform statewide local component baked into the base. The Tax Foundation's midyear 2026 data adds a further average local rate of 1.32%, bringing the typical combined rate to 7.42% and ranking Utah 20th nationally.
The Wasatch Front runs higher than the state average. Salt Lake City-area rates climb past 8% once county, city, and transit district taxes stack up, while rural counties sit much closer to the 6.10% base. Where you shop along the corridor matters.
What Is Taxed and What Is Exempt in Utah
Utah taxes most tangible goods at the full combined rate, including clothing, electronics, furniture, and restaurant meals. Many services are also taxable in Utah, giving it a broader base than the states that exempt services entirely.
Groceries get a reduced rate instead of an exemption: 1.75% state plus 1.25% local, for a 3% combined rate on unprepared food. It is not tax-free, but it is less than half the general rate. Prescription drugs are fully exempt.
Example: A $1,000 Purchase in Salt Lake City
Parts of Salt Lake City reach about 8.35% combined once transit district taxes are included. A $1,000 purchase at that rate works out to $1,000 times 0.0835, which is $83.50 in tax, for a total of $1,083.50.
Groceries follow their own math. A $200 grocery run taxed at the 3% food rate adds just $6.00 in tax, for a $206.00 total. The reduced food rate saves Utah shoppers real money every week compared with the general rate.
Local Sales Taxes in Utah
Utah's local taxes come from counties, cities, and special districts, with transit districts along the Wasatch Front adding some of the heftiest increments. The Tax Foundation lists the maximum local add-on at 4.70%, reflecting districts that stack multiple purposes.
The state's base already includes local revenue sharing, which is why the 6.10% figure looks high for a base rate. Think of it as a partially combined rate before the truly local layers even begin.
Online Shopping and Marketplace Sales in Utah
Utah requires remote sellers and marketplace facilitators to collect once they meet economic nexus thresholds, so major online retailers charge Utah tax at checkout. The rate follows the delivery address, including the transit district layers that push Salt Lake-area rates higher.
Online grocery orders get the 3% food rate just like in-store purchases. The reduced rate follows the product category, not the sales channel, so a grocery delivery to Provo is taxed the same as a Kroger run.
Does Utah Have a Sales Tax Holiday?
No. Utah has never run a sales tax holiday, and the reduced grocery rate functions as the state's year-round concession to household budgets instead. Lawmakers have preferred permanent rate structure over temporary weekends.
Shoppers looking for timing advantages will not find them on the calendar. The rate you pay in January is the rate you pay in August, which at least makes budgeting predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Utah sales tax rate?
The state rate is 6.10%. With local add-ons, the average combined rate is 7.42%; parts of Salt Lake City exceed 8%.
Are groceries taxed in Utah?
Yes, at a reduced 3% combined rate: 1.75% state plus 1.25% local on unprepared food.
What is the sales tax in Salt Lake City?
Rates in parts of Salt Lake City reach about 8.35% once county, city, and transit district taxes are included.
Does Utah have a sales tax holiday?
No. Utah has never offered one.
Are services taxed in Utah?
Many are. Utah taxes a broader range of services than most states.
Do online sellers collect Utah tax?
Yes, once they meet nexus thresholds. Marketplaces collect based on the delivery address, with the grocery rate applying to food orders.
Related Calculators
Rank every state on the main Sales Tax Calculator, or compare the Mountain West on our Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming pages. For take-home pay, try the Utah Paycheck Calculator.
Sources: Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026. Figures reviewed for 2026. This calculator provides an estimate for planning purposes and is not tax advice, confirm your exact rate with the Utah State Tax Commission.