What is the average sales tax for the state of Virginia?

As of September 2015, the average combined sales tax rate for the state of Virginia is 5.63 percent, according to Tax Foundation. This rate combines the state sales tax rate with the average local state tax rate.

The baseline state sales tax rate for Virginia is 4.3 percent, asserts the Virginia Department of Taxation. Virginia has a mandatory 1 percent local tax rate, so the total state sales tax rate is 5.3 percent. The localities that make up Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads face a 6 percent sales tax rate because of an additional 0.7 percent that is added to the 4.3 percent baseline rate. Tax Foundation weighs the rates by population to come up with the 5.63 percent average.