Reverse Tax & VAT Calculator

Calculate your net amount and tax breakdown instantly. Fast, simple, and accessible.

Need to calculate the net amount from a gross total that includes tax? This reverse tax calculator breaks down any payment into its base amount and individual tax components. Supports multiple tax rates with both additive (US sales tax) and stacked (VAT) calculation methods. Perfect for expense tracking, invoicing, bookkeeping, and financial analysis. No signup required, completely free to use.

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Customize tax names and percentages

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a reverse tax calculator?

A reverse tax calculator works backwards from a total amount that includes tax to calculate the original net amount before tax was added. Instead of adding tax to a price, it separates the tax from a gross total, showing you exactly how much was the base amount and how much was tax.

What's the difference between Additive and Stacked calculations?

Additive: Tax rates are added together as one combined rate (e.g., 5% + 3% = 8% total). This is commonly used in the United States for sales tax where state and local taxes are combined.

Stacked: Each tax is calculated on top of the previous amount, meaning you pay tax on tax (compounded). This method is common in VAT systems where multiple tax layers apply sequentially.

How accurate is this calculator?

This calculator uses precise mathematical formulas to reverse-calculate tax amounts and displays results accurate to two decimal places. The accuracy of your results depends entirely on the accuracy of the information you enter (gross amount and tax rates). If you input the correct values, the calculations will be mathematically precise. However, tax laws vary by jurisdiction and actual tax amounts may differ based on rounding rules, exemptions, or special tax regulations in your area. Always verify important calculations with a tax professional.

Is my data saved or stored anywhere?

All calculations happen locally in your browser using JavaScript. Your data is saved in your browser's LocalStorage on your device only - it never leaves your computer or gets sent to any server. This means your information is completely private and secure. If you clear your browser data, your saved calculations will be removed.

Can I use this for business purposes?

Yes, this calculator is free for both personal and business use. It's perfect for invoicing, expense tracking, bookkeeping, and financial reporting. You can export your calculations to PDF, Word, or text format for your records. However, always consult with a qualified accountant or tax professional for official tax filings and compliance.

What if I have more than one tax rate?

Simply click "Add Tax Rate" to include multiple taxes. You can add as many tax rates as needed and customize the label for each one (e.g., "State Tax", "City Tax", "VAT"). The calculator will show you the breakdown for each individual tax as well as the combined total.

What are the Transaction ID and Note fields for?

The Transaction ID and Note fields are optional reference fields to help you organize and identify your calculations. Use the Transaction ID to track invoice numbers, order numbers, receipt numbers, or any unique identifier. The Note field lets you add context like "Q4 Expenses" or "Client XYZ Payment." When you export your calculation to PDF, Word, or text format, these fields will be included in the document for your records. They're purely for your convenience and organization.

How is this site free?

This calculator is available completely free thanks to advertising revenue. We earn fractions of a cent per visit, which allows us to keep this tool accessible to everyone at no cost. We're not here to spam or collect your personal data - we're just providing a helpful financial tool while covering our hosting costs through ethical advertising. If you find this calculator useful, please bookmark it and share it with others who might benefit. Your support helps us keep it free and available for everyone!