sales tax

American  

noun

1. a tax on receipts from sales, usually added to the selling price by the seller.

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sales tax British  

noun

1. a tax levied on retail sales receipts and added to selling prices by retailers

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Etymology

Origin of sales tax

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Supporters of a half-cent sales tax proposed to help fund health services in Los Angeles County declared victory Tuesday after days of steadily gaining ground as more ballots were counted.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Voters have not rejected a sales tax hike in L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

But the measure faced significant opposition from local cities, with opponents arguing the sales tax hike would unfairly burden the poorest county residents and encourage people to spend their dollars across the county line.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

County, The half-cent sales tax on the ballot would go to prop up local hospitals and clinics.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

Meanwhile, Jake scanned the next customer’s items and did the math in his head, remembering to add sales tax to all non-food items.

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein