Many U.S. states that are popular cross border shopping destinations for Canadians have lower sales tax rates than Canadian provinces, and some offer sales tax exemptions on items that are of particular interest to Canadian shoppers, such as groceries, clothing, footwear, baby supplies and cars.

We have prepared the following list of U.S. sales tax by state to help you determine the sales tax in select U.S. states, as well as popular items that are exempt from sales tax in these states (please note that some states have additional regional sales taxes that are not accounted for here):

• California – 7.25% sales tax - There are no significant sales tax exemptions in California that are relevant to Canadian shoppers.

• Florida – 6% sales tax - There are no significant sales tax exemptions in Florida that are relevant to Canadian shoppers.

• Idaho – 6% sales tax - There are no significant sales tax exemptions in Idaho that are relevant to Canadian shoppers.
   
• Louisiana - 4% sales tax - Canadians who shop in Louisiana can visit a state run tax refund center to receive a refund on sales tax from over 900 retailers.

• Maine – 5% sales tax - There are no significant sales tax exemptions in Maine that are relevant to Canadian shoppers.

• Michigan – 6% sales tax - Groceries in Michigan are exempt from sales tax.

• Minnesota – 6.875% sales tax - Groceries and clothing are exempt from sales tax in Minnesota.

• Montana  - 0%  sales tax - Montana has no state sales tax

• Nevada – 6.85% sales tax - There are no significant sales tax exemptions in Nevada that are relevant to Canadian shoppers.

• New Hampshire – 0% sales tax - New Hampshire has no state sales tax.

• New York – 4% sales tax - There is a statewide exemption on sales tax for shoes and clothing under $55.

• North Dakota – 5% sales tax - There are no significant sales tax exemptions in North Dakota that are relevant to Canadian shoppers.

• Pennsylvania – 6% sales tax - Groceries, clothing , shoes and some baby and toiletry products are generally exempted from sales tax in Pennsylvania.

• Vermont – 6% sales tax - There are no significant sales tax exemptions in California that are relevant to Canadian shoppers.

• Washington – 6.5% sales tax - Most groceries are exempt from sales tax in Washington.

Want to know how much money you can save by shopping in the United States? Use our U.S Shopping Savings Calculator.