The Atascadero sales tax rate is 8.75% as of 2026. That figure combines California’s statewide base rate with two local taxes that Atascadero voters approved to fund city services, and it applies to most physical goods you buy within city limits.1California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. California City and County Sales and Use Tax Rates
Where the 8.75% Comes From
California charges a 7.25% statewide base rate that every city and county collects. Atascadero adds 1.50% on top in local district taxes, which is how the total reaches 8.75%.
The local 1.50% is made up of two separate voter-approved taxes:
- 0.50% from Measure F-14, approved by Atascadero voters in 2014 and effective April 1, 2015.2California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. CDTFA-105, District Sales and Use Tax Rates
- 1.00% from the Essential Services Transactions and Use Tax, effective April 1, 2021, which funds city services including public safety and infrastructure.2California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. CDTFA-105, District Sales and Use Tax Rates
Both local taxes flow into the city’s general fund rather than the state treasury, so Atascadero controls how that revenue is spent.
What Gets Taxed in Atascadero
The 8.75% rate applies to most retail purchases of physical goods: electronics, clothing, furniture, household supplies, and similar items. California exempts several categories that come up often in daily shopping.
Groceries
Most food bought for home consumption is exempt. That covers produce, meat, dairy, bread, eggs, canned goods, fruit and vegetable juices, and bottled water.3California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Revenue and Taxation Code 6359 – Food Products
Not everything sold in a grocery store qualifies. Carbonated beverages are specifically excluded from the exemption, so sodas and sparkling drinks are taxed at the full 8.75%. Hot prepared foods sold ready to eat are also fully taxable, and so are alcoholic beverages.
Prescriptions and Certain Medical Devices
Prescription medications dispensed by a pharmacist or furnished by a licensed physician are exempt. Certain medical devices permanently implanted in the body, along with orthotic devices worn as braces or supports, are also exempt. Over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements are not.4California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Revenue and Taxation Code 6369 – Prescription Medicines
Online and Out-of-State Purchases
If an out-of-state retailer ships something to your Atascadero address and doesn’t charge California sales tax, you owe use tax at the same 8.75% rate for personal-use items.5California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Know Your Sales and Use Tax Rate
In practice, most major online retailers already collect it. California requires any retailer with more than $500,000 in annual California sales to register and collect the tax, which captures essentially every large e-commerce platform.6California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Revenue and Taxation Code 6203 Use tax typically comes up with smaller out-of-state sellers, private purchases across state lines, or things you buy while traveling.
You can report it on your California income tax return using the line item and lookup table, or pay it directly through the CDTFA’s online services portal.7California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. California Use Tax, Good for You. Good for California
What Happens in 2027
Measure F-14, the 0.50% local tax, is scheduled to expire on March 31, 2027.8City of Atascadero. Measure F-14 The rate will not drop when it does. In November 2024, Atascadero voters approved Measure L-24, which continues the same 0.50% rate starting April 1, 2027 and runs until voters end it.9City of Atascadero. Ballot Measure L-24 For shoppers, the total 8.75% rate is expected to carry through the transition unchanged.