If you’re standing in a checkout line in Arlington or grabbing a coffee in Richmond, the number you see on the screen usually isn't what you expected. Taxes are weird here. Honestly, the virginia sales tax rate is one of those things that seems simple until you actually try to calculate it for a business or a big purchase.
Most people think there’s just one "Virginia tax." Not even close.
As of early 2026, the base virginia sales tax rate is technically 5.3%. But if you're in Northern Virginia, the 757, or the Richmond area, you’re almost certainly paying more. It’s a patchwork of state, local, and regional add-ons that can push your total over 6% or even 7% depending on the street corner you're standing on.
The Real Numbers Right Now
Basically, the state takes a 4.3% cut right off the top. Every single city and county in the Commonwealth then adds a mandatory 1% local tax. That’s how we get to that "base" 5.3% that you see on most state websites.
But then it gets localized.
Regional taxes for transportation and school construction are the real wild cards. If you live in the Northern Virginia region—places like Fairfax, Loudoun, or Prince William—you are looking at a combined rate of 6%. The same goes for the Hampton Roads area and the Richmond neck of the woods. In these spots, they’ve added a 0.7% regional tax to help fund big infrastructure projects.
Wait. There's more.
In the Historic Triangle (Williamsburg, James City County, and York County), the rate jumps even higher to 7%. This is to support tourism and historical preservation. So, if you're buying a souvenir near Colonial Williamsburg, don't be shocked when the math doesn't look like it does in Roanoke.
The Big 2026 Grocery Change
This is the part most people are searching for. Historically, Virginia taxed groceries at a reduced rate. It was a whole thing.
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But things changed.
Starting January 1, 2026, the virginia sales tax rate on groceries—specifically "food for home consumption"—has effectively been eliminated at the state level. Under the Grocery Tax Relief Act (HB1685), the state’s portion of the tax is gone.
However, don't expect your grocery bill to be tax-free.
Localities still keep their 1% share. So, when you buy a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread, you're still going to see a 1% tax on that receipt. It’s a huge win compared to the old 2.5% or even the full 5.3% some items used to hit, but it’s not zero.
And if you’re buying "prepared food"—basically anything from a deli or a restaurant—forget the grocery discount. You’re paying the full retail sales tax plus potentially a "meals tax."
The Fairfax "Tsunami"
Fairfax County just made a massive move. As of January 1, 2026, they officially rolled out a new 4% meals tax.
This is huge.
If you go out to dinner in Fairfax now, you’re paying the 6% combined sales tax plus this new 4% meals tax. That is a total of 10% on your restaurant bill. County officials call it "revenue diversification." Residents usually call it "expensive."
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Fairfax was one of the last holdouts in Northern Virginia to skip a meals tax. Now they’ve joined the club with Alexandria (5%) and Arlington (4%). If you're a business owner in this area, the paperwork just got significantly more annoying. You have to track these separately and remit the meals tax directly to the county, while the sales tax still goes through the state's portal.
What Stays Tax-Free?
Virginia isn't all about taking your money. There are some specific exemptions that help.
- Prescription Drugs: Always exempt.
- Over-the-Counter Meds: Mostly exempt, though there are some "kinda" rules about what qualifies.
- Non-Profits: 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations often don't have to pay sales tax on their purchases if they have the right certificate.
- Services: Generally, Virginia doesn't tax labor. If a plumber comes over to fix a leak, you pay tax on the parts, but not the time he spent under your sink.
Then you have the "Sales Tax Holiday." It usually happens in August. For a few days, school supplies under $20 and clothing under $100 are exempt from the virginia sales tax rate. It’s a madhouse at the malls, but it saves you a decent chunk of change on back-to-school gear.
For the Business Owners: The Nexus Rule
If you’re selling stuff into Virginia from another state, you might think you’re off the hook. You’re not.
Virginia uses an "economic nexus" rule. Basically, if your business makes more than $100,000 in gross sales or has more than 200 separate transactions in Virginia during a calendar year, you have to register, collect, and pay the virginia sales tax rate.
This catches a lot of Etsy sellers and small e-commerce shops off guard.
The state is pretty aggressive about this. If you meet the threshold, you need to register with the Virginia Department of Taxation. They’ll give you a certificate, and you’ll start filing either monthly or quarterly. If you're late? They hit you with a 6% penalty per month. It adds up fast.
The "Plastic Bag" Tax
One more thing that’s been spreading like wildfire across the Commonwealth: the 5-cent plastic bag tax.
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Richmond City just joined the list on January 1, 2026. If you’re at a grocery store, convenience store, or drugstore in Richmond, Alexandria, Arlington, or Fairfax (among others), you’re paying 5 cents for every disposable plastic bag.
It’s not technically a "sales tax" in the traditional sense, but it's a cost you'll see at the register. Most people just bring their own bags now to avoid the hassle.
Actionable Steps for 2026
Keeping track of the virginia sales tax rate doesn't have to be a nightmare if you follow a few basic rules.
First, if you're a consumer, check your receipts. If you're in a "high-tax" zone like the Historic Triangle or Northern Virginia, ensure you aren't being overcharged on groceries. They should only be taxed at 1%. If you see 6% or 7% on a bag of apples, the store hasn't updated their POS system for the 2026 changes.
Second, for business owners, use a geolocation-based tax tool. Zip codes in Virginia are notoriously unreliable for tax rates because one side of the street might be in a city and the other in a county. Use a tool that looks up the exact address to ensure you’re charging the right regional add-ons.
Third, if you’re making a major purchase like a car or a boat, remember that these have their own separate tax rates. Motor vehicles are taxed at 4.15% (or a $75 minimum), which is actually lower than the general sales tax. Don't let a dealer tell you otherwise.
Finally, keep an eye on the local news for "meals tax" referendums. Localities are looking for ways to lower property taxes, and a 4% or 5% tax on prepared food is usually the first tool they reach for.
Stay diligent with your record-keeping. Whether you're a shopper or a seller, the 2026 shift in grocery and meals taxes means the "old math" doesn't work anymore.
Check the Virginia Department of Taxation’s "Locality Code" lookup tool if you’re ever in doubt about a specific address. It’s the only way to be 100% sure about what you owe.