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

New Jersey lawmakers have proposed a short-term increase in its sales tax to 9.6% from 6.6% and in its lodging tax to 7.5% from 5%.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

Transport costs fell 2.7% from a month earlier after the federal government temporarily lowered the sales tax on gasoline and diesel to mitigate sharp price rises stemming from the Iran conflict.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Los Angeles County voters will soon decide whether they want to pay a temporary half-cent sales tax to shore up the region’s public healthcare system, which is facing dramatic federal funding cuts.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

In 2008, the county put Measure R, a half-cent sales tax to fund transportation projects including the subway extension to Westwood, on the ballot.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Jesus—$18.95 P^us the 3 per cent sales tax which Tubs figured out would make a grand total of $19.52, the sales tax amounting to fifty-seven cents.

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier