California receipts combine state, county, city, and district taxes. Reverse your total using the combined rate on the receipt—not the 7.25% base alone.
California receipts combine state, county, city, and district taxes. Reverse your total using the combined rate on the receipt—not the 7.25% base alone.
Step 2 — Your breakdown
We reverse the tax using the standard formula:
Enter a total and tax rate to see your breakdown.
Many metros land between 8.25% and 10.75%. LA, San Francisco, and San Diego shoppers should use the rate printed on the receipt or CDTFA lookup for the delivery address.
Worked example: $162.38 at 9.5% → Original = $148.29, tax = $14.09.
You paid $108.25 including 7.25% sales tax and need the merchandise amount for bookkeeping.
Pre-tax: $100.93 | Tax: $7.32 | Total: $108.25
Reverse math is for splitting receipts and estimates—it does not replace filing obligations, nexus analysis, or professional tax advice. Confirm rates with your state revenue department or marketplace reports before remitting.
Use the full combined rate on your receipt — state, county, city, and district. Our CA state page defaults to the 7.25% base; adjust upward for your location.
Most groceries are exempt, but hot prepared food and certain beverages are taxable. Reverse math still applies to any tax-included total you actually paid.
Most groceries are exempt; hot prepared food is often taxable. Use reverse math only on tax you actually paid.
