Buyers take notice! What is the current CA sales tax rate?

Today, July 1, the California sales tax drops 1% to 7.25% statewide.  My survey of customers, friends, and business acquaintances shows many are not aware of this change.  These results do not surprise me because I feel this change has not been well publicized.

Depending on where you shop, this tax rate may be higher because of many of California’s communities and counties have special taxing districts.  For example, in Contra Costa County we pay an additional 0.50% for both the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART).  Therefore, in most of Contra Costa County, we now pay 8.25% on purchases for products.  For example, here at Computer Sales and Service we are located in Pleasant Hill and therefore will collect 8.25% tax on products such as computers, laptops, monitors and related hardware.  As always, no tax is charged for computer service labor and on-site labor charges.

Please note, businesses in certain communities in Contra Costa County must charge more than 8.25% sales tax.  These communities are Concord (8.75%), El Cerrito (9.25%), Pinole (8.75%), and Richmond (8.75%).  Buyers take notice!  Please check your sales receipts and make sure your purchases reflect this lower tax rate!

For more information, see: http://www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/pub71.pdf