April Fool's Sales Tax

A sales tax increase in the State of California goes into effect today. Unfortunately, this one is not a joke

The temporary tax lasts until July 1, 2012 – if Proposition 1A on the May 19 special election ballot passes. If voters reject the proposed spending limit, the tax ends a year earlier...

Of course, the rate increase varies by county

For example, Oakland, in Alameda County, will have a 9.75 percent sales tax rate. San Francisco, 9.5 percent. Car and major appliance purchases would be cheaper in, say, Quincy in Plumas County where the rate is 8.25 percent — the lowest in the state after the tax increase. The city of Los Angeles has a 9.25 percent rate.

The Board of Equalization has the new sales tax rates by county on its website.