What is the CA sales tax?

California has a typical sales tax rate of 6%, but the state of California has a mandated rule that gives the sales tax an additional $1.25. This brings the official sales tax to $7.25, which is slightly above the average sales tax across America. With that said, that still isn't the full tax for Californians. The state also requires local counties to establish their own added percentage to the present percent, as well. This potentially means that in some areas, particularly in Los Angeles, sales tax rates can get as high as 10.25%, very much higher than the sales tax average. With that in mind, there are two items that are exempt from the sales tax, altogether. Those being food and prescription drugs are tax-free items throughout California, and allow for a safety net for residents in California who have to pay really high sales tax upon their transactions.