The sales tax rate in Yreka, CA is 8.75%. That figure combines California’s 7.25% statewide base rate with 1.50% in voter-approved local district taxes, and it applies to most purchases of tangible goods made inside city limits.1California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. California Sales and Use Tax Rates by County and City
What Makes Up the 8.75%
The 7.25% state portion is fixed by California law and applies everywhere in the state. The extra 1.50% in Yreka comes from district taxes that local voters have approved over the years. Areas without any such add-ons sit at the 7.25% floor.
Of the local share, 1.00% under the Bradley-Burns Uniform Local Sales and Use Tax Law goes to Yreka’s city operations, and 0.25% goes to Siskiyou County’s transportation fund.2California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Detailed Description of the Sales and Use Tax Rate
How Yreka Compares to Nearby Cities
Yreka carries the highest sales tax rate of any incorporated city in Siskiyou County. The gap matters if you have the option of buying somewhere else in the area. Rates as of April 2026:1California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. California Sales and Use Tax Rates by County and City
- Yreka: 8.75%
- Dunsmuir: 7.75%
- Mount Shasta: 7.50%
- Weed: 7.50%
- Unincorporated Siskiyou County: 7.25%
A purchase made just outside Yreka’s city limits can carry a lower rate than the same purchase made a few blocks inside them. The difference comes down to which jurisdictions have passed their own district taxes.
Oregon Purchases and California Use Tax
Yreka sits about 20 miles south of the Oregon border, and Oregon has no sales tax. Ashland is roughly 45 miles north and Medford about 70. Crossing the border to make a large purchase does not actually avoid California tax, even though it feels like it does.
California imposes a use tax on goods bought out of state when no sales tax was collected. The use tax rate matches the local sales tax rate that would have applied at home, which for Yreka residents is 8.75%.3California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. California Use Tax
Most individuals report use tax on the annual California income tax return, which has a line and worksheet for the calculation. You can also pay directly through the CDTFA’s online portal. Vehicles, vessels, and aircraft purchased out of state follow separate reporting procedures and cannot be reported on the income tax return.3California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. California Use Tax
If your out-of-state purchases subject to use tax exceed $10,000 in a year (excluding vehicles, vessels, and aircraft), you are a “qualified purchaser” and must register with the CDTFA and report annually by April 15.3California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. California Use Tax
What Is Not Taxed
Groceries
Most food bought for home consumption is exempt under Revenue and Taxation Code Section 6359, including produce, dairy, meat, bread, and canned goods.4California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. California Revenue and Taxation Code 6359 – Food Products Hot prepared foods, carbonated beverages, and food sold for immediate consumption at restaurants and delis are not exempt. A raw chicken from the grocery store is tax-free; a rotisserie chicken from the same store is taxed.
Prescription Medicines
Medicines prescribed by a licensed physician, dentist, or podiatrist and dispensed by a registered pharmacist are exempt under Section 6369.5California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. California Revenue and Taxation Code 6369 – Prescription Medicines Over-the-counter medicines are taxed at the full rate. Most medical devices, including bandages, splints, and prosthetics, are also taxable, though a few specific items like hearing aids have their own exemptions.
Repair and Installation Labor
Labor to repair an existing item or install a new one is generally not taxable, as long as it appears as a separate line item on the invoice. The parts used in the job are still taxable.6California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Labor Charges When a shop bundles parts and labor into one charge, how the tax is applied depends on whether the parts exceed 10% of the total bill.
Digital Downloads
Software and other digital goods delivered electronically are not taxed, while the same software sold on a physical disc or USB drive is. The same split applies to digital music, e-books, and streaming subscriptions. Custom software is exempt regardless of how it is delivered. A proposal to extend sales tax to all prewritten software starting in January 2027 has been discussed, but as of mid-2026 the exemption for electronically delivered software is still in place.
For Businesses Collecting the Tax
Any business selling or leasing tangible goods in Yreka needs a California seller’s permit from the CDTFA before its first sale. The permit itself is free, but the CDTFA may require a refundable security deposit.7California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Obtaining a Seller’s Permit The CDTFA assigns a monthly, quarterly, or annual filing frequency based on expected sales volume.8California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Filing Dates for Sales and Use Tax Returns
Late filing and late payment each carry a 10% penalty, and if both happen on the same return, the combined penalty is capped at 10% rather than 20%. Interest starts accruing immediately on any unpaid balance.9California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Having Trouble Paying?