How do I back out tax from a total?

Use 'Remove tax from total' mode. The formula is: pre-tax = total / (1 + rate). Example: $107 total at 7% tax = $100 pre-tax, $7 tax.

Does this include any specific state or country rates?

No — you enter the rate. This makes the tool usable for any US state, Canadian province (GST/HST/PST), or country (VAT/GST).

Why do I need to back out tax from a total?

Receipts and price tags often show only the tax-inclusive total. To enter the pre-tax amount in expense reports, accounting software, or to claim a VAT refund, you need the underlying base — that's reverse calculation.

When should I add tax vs. include tax in displayed prices?

US convention is exclusive (price + tax at checkout). Most of Europe and Asia uses inclusive (VAT-included shelf price). Match your customer's expectation — surprising buyers with tax at checkout hurts conversion.

Sales Tax Calculator

Finance· 37 tools

Free sales tax calculator. Compute the final price with tax, or reverse-engineer the pre-tax amount from a tax-inclusive total. Works with any sales tax, VAT, or GST rate.

Pre-tax price

Tax rate (%)

Pre-tax$100.00

Tax (8.875%)$8.88

Total$108.88

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This is not financial, tax, or legal advice — consult a licensed professional before making decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

Sales tax deduction — IRS — Internal Revenue Service

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Frequently Asked Questions

References and sources

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