Montana has no state sales tax. Compare Montana with other states and calculate what you would pay in any state.
Montana has no state or local sales tax. Purchases made in Montana are not subject to state sales tax. Use the calculator above to compare Montana with other states and see potential savings on large purchases.
Montana does not impose a state sales tax, making it one of the most consumer-friendly states for retail purchases. Montana has no state or local sales tax. Residents and visitors in Montana pay no sales tax at the point of sale on most goods and services. This makes Montana attractive for large purchases such as vehicles, electronics, and appliances.
While Montana forgoes sales tax revenue, it may fund state services through other mechanisms such as property taxes, income taxes (where applicable), excise taxes, or fees. A complete comparison of state tax burdens requires evaluating all tax types together, not just sales tax.
Because Montana has no sales tax, a $500 purchase costs exactly $500 with $0 in tax. Compare this to high-tax states: the same $500 purchase costs $547.80 in Louisiana (9.56%) or $546.90 in Washington (9.38%). Shopping in Montana saves $47.80 to $47.90 on a $500 purchase compared to the highest-tax states.
Use the calculator above to compute sales tax for any price and quantity. You can also use reverse mode to extract the pre-tax price from a total that already includes Montana sales tax.
State vs. combined rate
The Montana state rate is 0%. Local jurisdictions may add additional taxes, bringing the average combined rate to 0%. Your specific location may have a higher or lower combined rate. To find your precise local rate, search your city name plus "sales tax rate" or visit the Montana Department of Revenue website.
Common exemptions
Most states exempt prescription drugs from sales tax. Grocery exemptions vary by state. Clothing, digital goods, and services have varying taxability rules. If you are buying for resale or exempt business use, you may qualify for a Montana sales tax exemption certificate. Check the Montana Department of Revenue for a complete list of exemptions.
Business sales tax obligations in Montana
Businesses selling in Montana must register with the Montana Department of Revenue, collect the correct combined rate, file regular returns, and remit collected taxes on schedule. Online sellers may have economic nexus obligations in Montana under the Wayfair decision if they exceed $100,000 in Montana sales or 200 transactions per year.
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Montana has no state or local sales tax. This makes Montana one of only five states with no general sales tax. Residents of neighboring high-tax states sometimes travel to Montana to make large purchases, though they may technically owe a use tax to their home state on items purchased and brought back.
Montana funds state and local services through revenue sources other than a general sales tax. Depending on the state, this may include property taxes, income taxes, excise taxes on specific goods, business taxes, and fees. The absence of sales tax is a significant factor for residents making large purchases and for businesses evaluating state tax burdens.
Purchasing from a Montana-based retailer online does not automatically exempt you from sales tax in your home state. Since the 2018 Wayfair Supreme Court decision, businesses with economic nexus in your state (over $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions) must collect your home state's sales tax regardless of where the seller is located. Physical purchases made while you are physically present in Montana are not subject to sales tax.
Shopping in Montana saves you the full sales tax you would have paid in another state. On a $10,000 purchase: you save $956 compared to Louisiana (9.56%), $938 compared to Washington (9.38%), and $955 compared to Tennessee (9.55%). On a $50,000 vehicle, the savings vs. a 9% state exceed $4,500. For very large purchases, the savings can justify travel to Montana from a neighboring state.
Montana has no state or local sales tax. Some states with no state sales tax allow limited local option taxes in certain resort areas or municipalities. Verify with your local government whether any narrow local taxes apply to your specific transaction.