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2024 Guide to Sales Tax in Oakland, California

California Sales Tax Rate
7.25%
County Sales Tax Rate
3%
Oakland Sales Tax Rate
0%
Special Sales Tax Rate
0%

If you're operating a business in Oakland, California, it's essential to understand the local sales tax regulations to ensure compliance and smooth operation. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the sales tax in Oakland, California.

We will discuss the various sales tax rates at the state, county, and city levels, how to calculate sales tax in Oakland, and the requirements for businesses to collect sales tax. Additionally, we provide sales tax rates for the top 10 most populated ZIP codes in Oakland and tips to ensure compliance with sales tax regulations.

What is the Sales Tax in Oakland?

The total sales tax rate in Oakland consists of the California state tax rate and any additional county tax rates where applicable.

Breakdown of Sales Tax in Oakland

  • State Sales Tax: 7.250%
  • County Sales Tax: 3.000%
  • City Sales Tax: 0.000%
  • Special Sales Tax: 0.000%

What is Alameda County Sales Tax?

In Oakland, part of Alameda County, the county sales tax adds an additional 3.000% to the state sales tax.

Tax Rates in Oakland, California

Here are the sales tax rates for the top 10 most populated ZIP codes in Oakland:

ZIP Code State Sales Tax County Sales Tax City Sales Tax Special Sales Tax
94601 7.250% 3.000% 0.000% 0.000%
94602 7.250% 3.000% 0.000% 0.000%
94603 7.250% 3.000% 0.000% 0.000%
94605 7.250% 3.000% 0.000% 0.000%
94606 7.250% 3.000% 0.000% 0.000%
94607 7.250% 3.000% 0.000% 0.000%
94610 7.250% 3.000% 0.000% 0.000%
94611 7.250% 3.000% 0.000% 0.000%
94619 7.250% 3.000% 0.000% 0.000%
94621 7.250% 3.000% 0.000% 0.000%

Other Tax Rates for Oakland

Here are some other applicable tax rates for businesses in Oakland:

Type of Sales Tax Rate
Non-Nexus Sellers – State Use Tax 7.250%
Non-Nexus Sellers – County Use Tax 3.000%
Non-Nexus Sellers – City Use Tax 0.000%
Non-Nexus Sellers – Special Use Tax 0.000%
Out-of-State Sellers – State Use Tax 7.250%
Out-of-State Sellers – County Use Tax 3.000%
Out-of-State Sellers – City Use Tax 0.000%
Out-of-State Sellers – Special Use Tax 0.000%
Marketplace Facilitators – State Sales Tax 7.250%
Marketplace Facilitators – County Sales Tax 3.000%
Marketplace Facilitators – City Sales Tax 0.000%
Marketplace Facilitators – Special Sales Tax 0.000%

What Items are Taxable in Oakland?

In California, certain items are taxable while others are exempt. Common taxable items include:

Item Description TIC Number
Apparel Clothing and footwear 10020
Electronics Computers and accessories 20020
Furniture Home furnishings 30020

What Items are Exempt from Taxes in Oakland?

Some items are exempt from sales tax in California, typically for essential goods or to encourage certain purchases:

Item Description TIC Number
Prescription Drugs Medications 40020
Groceries Unprepared food items 50020
Medical Equipment Durable medical equipment 60020

Who Needs to Collect Sales Tax in Oakland?

Businesses need to collect sales tax in Oakland if they have either physical or economic nexus in California.

Physical Nexus

You have a physical presence in California if you:

  • Own or lease property in California
  • Have employees in California
  • Maintain inventory in California

Economic Nexus

You have economic nexus if your sales into California exceed $500,000 in the current or previous calendar year.

How to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Oakland?

If you meet the nexus requirements, you must register for a sales tax permit in California. Here’s how:

  1. Visit the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration’s website.
  2. Complete the application for a sales tax permit.
  3. Submit the application and await approval.

How Do You Charge the Right Amount for Sales Tax?

Ensuring you charge the correct sales tax in Oakland involves:

How Do You File and Remit Sales Tax?

Sales tax returns are filed with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Here’s how:

  1. Collect sales tax from customers.
  2. File your sales tax return online.
  3. Remit the collected taxes to the state.

Conclusion

Understanding and complying with sales tax regulations in Oakland is essential for any business operating in California. Use this guide to navigate the complexities of sales tax and ensure your business remains compliant.

Sales Tax Guides by State

Our sales tax guides provide an overview of sales tax rates, nexus thresholds, taxable and nontaxable items, along with other valuable tax knowledge for every U.S. state.