2025 Guide to Sales Tax in Oakland, California

California Sales Tax Rate
6.0%
County Sales Tax Rate
0.25%
Oakland Sales Tax Rate
4.5%
Special Sales Tax Rate
0%

The total combined sales tax rate in Oakland, California is 10.75%, effective October 1, 2025. This includes the 6.00% California state rate, 0.25% Alameda County rate, and 4.50% in local district taxes.

If you sell goods or taxable services in Oakland, whether online or in person, and have nexus in California, you’re required to collect and remit this rate through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. All rates and rules reflect the latest CDTFA data (updated September 30, 2025).

What is the Sales Tax in Oakland?

The combined Oakland sales tax rate is 10.75%, one of the highest major-city rates in California. This total includes state, county, and district taxes collected by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

Sellers charging sales tax in Oakland should ensure their rate settings are updated to reflect this change, which took effect October 1, 2025.

Breakdown of Sales Tax in Oakland

The minimum combined 2025 sales tax rate for Oakland, California is 10.75%.

  • State Sales Tax: 6.000%
  • County Sales Tax: 0.250%
  • City & District Sales Taxes: 4.500%

Effective October 1, 2025, per Measure A.

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 6.0% 0.25% 4.5% 0%
94602 6.0% 0.25% 4.5% 0%
94603 6.0% 0.25% 4.5% 0%
94605 6.0% 0.25% 4.5% 0%
94606 6.0% 0.25% 4.5% 0%
94607 6.0% 0.25% 4.5% 0%
94610 6.0% 0.25% 4.5% 0%
94611 6.0% 0.25% 4.5% 0%
94619 6.0% 0.25% 4.5% 0%
94621 6.0% 0.25% 4.5% 0%

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 6.000%
Non-Nexus Sellers – County Use Tax 0.250%
Non-Nexus Sellers – City Use Tax 4.500%
Non-Nexus Sellers – Special Use Tax 0.000%
Out-of-State Sellers – State Use Tax 6.000%
Out-of-State Sellers – County Use Tax 0.250%
Out-of-State Sellers – City Use Tax 4.500%
Out-of-State Sellers – Special Use Tax 0.000%
Marketplace Facilitators – State Sales Tax 6.000%
Marketplace Facilitators – County Sales Tax 0.250%
Marketplace Facilitators – City Sales Tax 4.500%
Marketplace Facilitators – Special Sales Tax 0.000%

(Effective October 1, 2025 — total combined rate 10.75%.)

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 in California if your sales into California exceed $500,000 in the current or previous calendar year, regardless of physical presence.

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

The combined sales tax rate in Oakland is 10.75% effective October 1, 2025, making it one of the highest in California.

Sellers operating in or shipping to Oakland should confirm their nexus status, register with the CDTFA, and ensure their tax software reflects the updated rate.