Politics & Government

Surprise: You're Saving Money at the Register

Sales tax rates statewide went down by 1 percent on July 1. Did you notice?

There's one kind of change that most of us agree is good.

It's the kind left in your pocket after shopping, and beginning July 1, there will be more of it. The sales tax rate falls a full percentage point throughout California, which means Sonoma's rate is now 8 percent.

The statewide one-percent decrease results from the expiration of a statewide one-percent increase that began in April 2009 as part of the 2008-09 state budget agreement. It was due to end June 30, 2011, according to a news release from State Board of Equalization Chairman Jerome Horton.

Find out what's happening in Sonoma Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The reduction affects the state share of the sales tax, which fell from 8.25 to 7.25 percent.

As with the previous rate, Sonoma’s new rate of 8 percent remains average for municipalities statewide. Local rates vary between 7.25 percent and 9.75 percent.

Find out what's happening in Sonoma Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Check out all the rates by clicking here.


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