Arab, Alabama: Winner of Highest Sales Tax Rate

Aug 6, 2013 | Gail Cole

September 2013 sales tax rate change for Arab, Alabama.

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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Sales tax rates, rules, and regulations change frequently. Although we hope you'll find this information helpful, this blog is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal or tax advice.

Avalara Author

Gail Cole

Avalara Author Gail Cole

Gail began researching and writing about sales tax in 2012 and has been fascinated with it ever since. She has a penchant for uncovering unusual tax facts, and endeavors to make complex sales tax laws more digestible for both experts and laypeople.