In case you didn't know, Californians will be paying an extra quarter percent sales tax beginning Jan. 1.
The statewide sales and use tax rate will increase from 7.25 percent to 7.50 percent on January 1, 2013, reminds the state Board of Equalization. This rate increase was approved by California voters when they approved Proposition 30 on November 6, 2012.
Among other things, Proposition 30 increases the statewide sales and use tax rate for four years: Jan. 1, 2013 through Dec. 31, 2016.
Across California, the sales and use tax rate will range from 7.50 percent to 10.00 percent because in some cities and counties, voter-approved district taxes are added to the statewide base rate.
California sales tax generally applies to retail sales of goods and merchandise except those sales specifically exempted by law.
“Use Tax” is the same rate as the sales tax and generally applies to the storage, use, or other consumption of goods in California purchased from retailers in transactions not subject to the sales tax. Use tax may also apply to purchases shipped to California consumers from other states, including purchases by mail order, telephone, or Internet.
The sales and use tax rate increase does not apply to purchases of gasoline. However, the sales and use tax rate increase does apply to purchases of diesel fuel, according to the Board of Equalization.
