It's a dubious award, to be sure, but it's hard not to recognize Arab, Alabama, for having the highest rate of sales tax in the country.
A spokesman for Cullman County declined the award last spring, when a waff.com headline screamed: "Arab, Cullman County has highest sales tax rate in USA." The article claimed the rate at the time was 12%. County Tax Director Chris King disputed that figure, but did admit, "…yes, it's a little high."
Arab sits primarily in Marshall County, but a small portion of it is in Cullman County. While Marshall County sales tax does not apply in the city limits of Arab, Cullman County rates do.
Effective August 1, 2013, the general rate of sales and use tax in Cullman County is 4.5%. Alabama's general state sales and use tax rate is 4%.
Rate increase
The current general rate of sales tax in Arab is 4%. Effective September 1, 2013, the general rate in Arab will be 5%.
4.5% + 4% + 5% = 13.5%
Congratulations, Arab, Cullman County, Alabama.
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