What is trailing nexus?

Most states make you keep filing for a while after you drop below their threshold. California runs through the next full calendar year. Texas uses a rolling twelve months. We track each state's rule so you cancel on the right date, not too early.

Will I get in trouble for canceling a permit?

Not if you do it in the right order. We file every outstanding and final return first, then guide the cancellation. The real risk is canceling early or skipping a final return, which is exactly what we prevent.

Which platforms do you support?

Amazon, Shopify and WooCommerce, with BigCommerce, Etsy, Walmart and eBay supported through manual entry. You can also enter your states by hand on any platform.

Do you file my returns?

Yes. During the wind-down we file the zero-dollar returns so nothing lapses, and once you're deregistered in a state there's nothing left to file.

How is this different from Avalara or TaxJar?

They help you register and file more. We help you deregister and file less. We only charge for the states you keep.

No. TrailingZero is software that flags deregistration opportunities and handles filings. For complex situations we tell you when to bring in your accountant.

Is TrailingZero live?

Yes. Free audits are live now — run yours in minutes. Connect a store read-only or enter your registered states by hand to see which you can cancel and what it saves.

What is the sales tax rate in California?

The statewide base rate is 7.25%. Local and district taxes can raise the combined rate depending on the buyer's location.

Do I have to charge California sales tax as an online seller?

Only once you have nexus in California — physical presence, or crossing $500,000 in sales.

No. This page is general education built from public sources and the rules change often. Confirm your specific situation with the state's tax authority or your accountant before you register or deregister.

Sales tax rate

California sales tax rate (2026)

Here's the California sales tax rate for 2026 — the statewide base, why the rate you actually charge is usually higher, and what it means for online sellers.

By John DoeReviewed by Jane Doe, CPAUpdated June 2026How we verify

State base rate: 7.25%
Local rates vary?: Yes
Economic threshold: $500,000 in sales
Tax authority: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)

Source: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)

California base rate

California's statewide base sales tax rate is 7.25%, before local/district taxes that push the combined rate higher in many areas.

The California sales tax rate

California's statewide base rate of 7.25% comprises a 6% state rate plus a mandatory 1.25% local rate. Individual cities and counties levy additional voter-approved district taxes, pushing combined rates as high as 11.25% in some jurisdictions. The CDTFA updates its city/county rate tables quarterly; the April 1, 2026 rate table is current.

What rate do online sellers charge?

California uses destination-style rates in most cases, so the rate you charge depends on where your buyer is — the state base of 7.25% plus any local/district tax at the delivery address.

You only charge California tax once you have nexus there — physical presence or crossing $500,000 in sales.

Who collects it

On marketplace sales (Amazon, Etsy, eBay), the marketplace facilitator collects and remits California tax for you. On your own store (Shopify, WooCommerce) you collect it yourself once you're registered.

Where TrailingZero fits

TrailingZero connects to your store read-only, maps where you actually have nexus state by state, and makes sure you're only registered to charge California tax where you actually have to be. During any wind-down it can file the zero-dollar returns so nothing lapses — and you only pay for the states you genuinely keep. Run a free audit anytime; this page is free education either way.

California Sales tax rate FAQ

What is the sales tax rate in California?: The statewide base rate is 7.25%. Local and district taxes can raise the combined rate depending on the buyer's location.
Do I have to charge California sales tax as an online seller?: Only once you have nexus in California — physical presence, or crossing $500,000 in sales.
Is this tax advice?: No. This page is general education built from public sources and the rules change often. Confirm your specific situation with the state's tax authority or your accountant before you register or deregister.

See what you can stop paying in California

Run a free audit and see which registrations you can drop — in minutes, no card required.

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Other states

See all states →

Sources

Primary sources reviewed for this page. Data current as of June 2026.

TrailingZerois software, not a CPA or law firm, and this page is general education — not tax or legal advice. State rules and thresholds change frequently; confirm your situation with the state's tax authority or your accountant before you register or deregister. See how we research and review this data in our editorial & accuracy policy.