Sales tax is a tax paid to a governing body (state or local) on the sale of certain goods and services. California first adopted a general state sales tax in 1933, and since that time, the rate has risen to 7.25 percent. Free online 2020 US sales tax calculator for Los Angeles, California. Fast and easy 2020 sales tax tool for businesses and people from Los Angeles, California, United States. A business that made retail sales into California in 2018 is required to register with the CDTFA and collect and remit California sales tax starting April 1, 2019, if its taxable sales in the state in 2018 totaled more than $100,000, or it made 200 or more separate taxable transactions for delivery in California.