How to Calculate Tax on a Meal
- 1). Obtain the applicable sales tax. Rates vary from state to state -- and even within a state. For instance, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a 6 percent sales tax, but Allegheny County -- the home to Pittsburgh -- has an additional 1 percent local tax, and Philadelphia County has an extra 2 percent local tax. If unsure of what the sales tax is in your geographic area, contact the local taxing authority.
- 2). Determine the total cost of the meal by adding the prices of all items ordered.
- 3). Multiply the sum of your food total by the applicable sales tax. For instance, if the bill amounts to $76.95 and you are eating in Pittsburgh, you must multiply $76.95 by 7%, or $76.95 times 0.07 equals $5.3865. Therefore, after you round up to the nearest penny, the tax on your meal is $5.39.
- 4). Add the tax on your meal to your meal total to determine the total cost. For instance, $76.95 plus $5.39 equals $82.34.
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