Tennessee Sales Tax Calculator for Construction Materials

Calculate the total sales tax owed on construction materials purchased in Tennessee, including the state rate and applicable local county/city rates.

Formula

State Tax = Purchase Price × State Rate
Local Tax = Purchase Price × Local Rate
Total Tax Due = State Tax + Local Tax
Total Cost = Purchase Price + Total Tax Due

Standard Construction Materials:
  State Rate = 7.00%
  Local Rate = 2.75% (most counties) or 2.25% (Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Shelby)

Industrial Machinery / Qualified Equipment (TCA §67-6-206):
  State Rate = 1.50%
  Local Rate = capped at 1.50%

Example: $10,000 of standard materials in Williamson County (2.75% local):
State Tax = $10,000 × 7% = $700
Local Tax = $10,000 × 2.75% = $275
Total Tax = $975  |  Total Cost = $10,975

Assumptions & References

  • Tennessee state sales tax rate on tangible personal property (including construction materials) is 7% per TCA §67-6-202.
  • Local option sales tax rates are set by county and city governments. Most Tennessee counties levy 2.75%; Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Shelby counties levy 2.25%.
  • Industrial machinery used in qualified manufacturing operations is taxed at a reduced state rate of 1.5% with a local rate capped at 1.5% per TCA §67-6-206.
  • Lump-sum contractors are treated as the end consumer of materials and must pay sales tax at purchase; they do not collect sales tax from the project owner on materials.
  • Under a separated (cost-plus) contract, the contractor may collect sales tax from the owner on the materials portion only, provided the contract clearly itemizes materials and labor.
  • Labor charges for construction services are not subject to Tennessee sales tax.
  • Certain materials incorporated into real property may qualify for exemptions (e.g., materials for government or nonprofit projects); consult the Tennessee Department of Revenue for project-specific exemptions.
  • Local rates shown reflect general county rates; some cities within counties may have additional rates. Verify with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for the exact rate at your project location.
  • This calculator is for estimation purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice.

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