Gloucester is one of four localities in Virginia where the sales and use tax rate increases today.

The sales and use tax rate in Gloucester, Charlotte, Northampton and Patrick counties increased by 1 percent on July 1 for a total of 6.3 percent. This includes the 4.3 percent state tax, the 1 percent local option tax and the 1 percent additional tax for each county. The changes are a result of legislation approved by the Virginia General Assembly during the 2020 session.

This adjusted sales and use tax rate does not apply to food purchased for human consumption, such as groceries, or essential personal hygiene products, as both are taxed at a reduced rate.

Here’s how the sales tax rate breaks down for other parts of Virginia:

—For most locations, it’s 5.3 percent;
—In Hampton Roads (outside of the Historic Triangle region), Central Virginia and Northern Virginia, it’s 6 percent;
—In Halifax and Henry counties, the rate is 6.3 percent, and
—In the Historic Triangle region, the rate is 7 percent.

Last November, Gloucester voters approved a local referendum allowing the county to impose the additional 1 percent sales tax to pay for capital needs in the school system.

For more information on the sales and use taxes in Virginia, visit the Virginia Tax website. If you are a business owner and have questions, contact the Virginia Tax Business Customer Service line at 804-367-8037.