What is Nebraska's sales tax rate?

Nebraska's statewide sales tax rate is 5.5%. Cities and counties may add a local sales tax of up to 2%, so combined rates in places like Omaha and Lincoln commonly reach 7% or 7.25%.

Are groceries taxed in Nebraska?

Most unprepared groceries and food for home consumption are exempt from Nebraska sales tax. Prepared food, restaurant meals, candy, and soft drinks are generally taxable. Use the grocery exemption toggle for qualifying food.

Is prescription medicine taxable?

Prescription medicines and many medical devices are exempt from Nebraska sales tax. Over-the-counter drugs are generally taxable unless prescribed. Toggle the exemption for qualifying prescription items.

What is the sales tax in Omaha and Lincoln?

Both Omaha and Lincoln add a 1.5% city sales tax to the 5.5% state rate, producing a combined 7.0% rate. Rates vary by locality, so always confirm your specific city and county rate.

How is the tax calculated?

The tool adds the state rate (5.5%) to your local rate to get a combined rate, then multiplies it by the taxable price. Exempt items are charged no tax. The total equals price plus tax.

Nebraska Sales Tax Calculator

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Nebraska charges a 5.5% statewide sales tax, and most cities and counties add their own local sales tax on top — up to 2% extra. That means the rate you actually pay in Omaha or Lincoln is higher than the headline state figure. This calculator combines the state and local rates and handles common exemptions so you can see exactly how much tax is owed and what the final price will be.

How it works

Nebraska sales tax is a combined rate applied to the taxable price:

Combined Rate = 5.5% state + local city/county rate
Tax = Taxable Price x Combined Rate
Total = Price + Tax

State rate is fixed at 5.5% for taxable retail sales.
Local rate depends on your city and county and can be up to 2% — Omaha and Lincoln both add 1.5%.
Exemptions. Unprepared groceries and prescription medicine are not taxed in Nebraska, so the tool sets tax to zero when you flag a qualifying item.

Tips and example

Buying a $100 taxable item in Omaha (5.5% state + 1.5% city = 7.0%) gives $7.00 in tax for a $107.00 total. The same item in a town with no local tax is charged only the 5.5% state rate, or $5.50.

If you are buying unprepared groceries or filling a prescription, switch on the exemption toggle — qualifying food and prescription medicine are not taxed in Nebraska. Note that prepared food, candy, soft drinks, and dietary supplements remain taxable even though they are sold as food.