States with no sales tax

Consumers expect to pay sales taxes wherever they shop. But they catch a break in five states that do not charge sales taxes.

Sitka Alaska waterfront
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Alaska

While Alaska doesn’t collect a state sales tax, it does allow local jurisdictions to enact their own sales taxes. The Last Frontier does charge so-called “sin taxes” for alcohol, marijuana and tobacco products. And visitors will pay vehicle rental and cruise ship fees.

 

Wilmington Delaware
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Delaware

Consumers don’t pay sales tax at the state or local level on goods or services, but the First State levies a gross receipts tax on businesses, and that likely affects the pricing of goods and services.

 

Whitefish Montana mainstreet
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Montana

The Treasure State does not collect a statewide sales, use or transaction tax, but communities that cater to recreational visitors can assess resort taxes that apply to lodging, restaurants, nightclubs and ski facilities.

Portsmouth New Hampshire harbour
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New Hampshire

Although the Granite State doesn’t collect a sales tax on consumer products or services, it does collect a tax on restaurant meals and lodgings, as well as on car rentals.

Sunset over Happy Valley Oregon
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Oregon

The Beaver State is fine with not collecting sales tax. But it won’t let Oregon residents claim sales tax paid to other states as a way to reduce their state income taxes.