SACRAMENTO – George Runner today announced a new Board of Equalization heat map showing varying sales tax rates across California.

“California has more than two hundred sales tax rate jurisdictions, which can be confusing for taxpayers,” said Runner. “Our new map provides a picture of these rates and should serve as a helpful visual aid for taxpayers.”

The map complements the Board’s tax rate lookup tool that enables taxpayers to find a sales tax rate for a specific address.

“It’s important to know the correct tax rates to make sure you’re not being overcharged,” said Runner. “In some parts of California you’ll pay 7.5 percent on purchases while in some cities you will be charged up to 10 percent.”

Only cities and counties can impose a higher local sales tax. Legislation on the Governor’s desk (AB 2119) could allow voters to extend higher city tax rates to unincorporated portions of counties.

The highest sales tax rate of 10% can be found in the incorporated cities of La Mirada, Pico Rivera and South Gate located in Los Angeles County.

Taxpayers who believe they have been charged an incorrect rate should contact the retailer to request a refund. In addition, they can report the incorrect charge to the Board of Equalization by calling 1-800-400-7115.

More information on California sales tax, including the latest county and city rates, is available at boe.ca.gov/knowyourrate.

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.