Remove tax from a total

Reverse Tax Calculator

Choose a state and work backward from a tax-inclusive total; TaxMathKit fills a 2026 average combined planning rate automatically.

State rates includedRates: 2026 planning ratesUpdated August 10, 2026

Start calculating ↓Example values are already filled in. Replace them with yours.

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The example shows the required inputs. Replace only the values that apply to you.

Saved only on this devicePlanning estimate

Your inputs

Enter the details you haveChoose a state and we insert its 2026 average combined rate. No rate lookup is required for a planning estimate.

CalculationSwitch modes without opening another calculator.Total paid (tax included)$Where is the purchase?We fill a 2026 population-weighted state-and-local planning rate automatically.

Use an exact receipt or local rateOptional

Override the planning rate%Optional. Use this only when a receipt or official address lookup gives you a more exact rate.

Estimated result

Pre-tax price$99.32

Sales tax$8.93

Tax-inclusive total$108.25

Planning rate used8.99%

State presetCA

The selected rate is a population-weighted state average, not an address-level quote. Product exemptions and local districts can change the exact amount. Review the 2026 rate source.

Inputs stay in this browser and are never uploaded.

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How it works

Remove included tax

Formula

Pre-tax price = tax-inclusive total ÷ (1 + tax rate). Included tax = total − pre-tax price.

Reverse tax is useful for receipts, expense reports and reconciling a tax-inclusive total.

Do not multiply the total by the rate to remove tax: the tax percentage was originally applied to the smaller pre-tax amount.

Assumptions and limits

Entered total already includes tax
One combined tax rate applies
No mixed taxable and exempt items
Currency-neutral formula

Planning estimate, not tax advice

Tax law depends on facts this tool cannot collect. Do not use the result as the sole basis for filing, withholding or payment decisions.

Frequently asked questions

How do I remove 8.25% tax from $108.25?

Divide $108.25 by 1.0825. The pre-tax amount is $100 and the included tax is $8.25.

Is reverse tax the same as a salary gross-up?

Not necessarily. This page reverses transaction tax. Payroll gross-up uses income-tax and payroll-withholding rules.

Examples and guides

More help with this calculation

Use a worked example or read about a rule that affects the result.

Formula explained7 min

Add sales tax vs reverse sales tax: two formulas, two different bases

See why multiplying a tax-inclusive total by the rate does not recover the included tax, with a $108.25 example.

Read the guide →

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