Surprise: You're Saving Money at the Register

We’re nearly two weeks into July now. Did you notice that the sales tax rate in Mill Valley has gone down?

Sales tax rates throughout California fell a full percentage point on July 1, which means the local sales tax rate is 8 percent. That's the rate for all towns and cities in Marin that don't have additional local sales taxes like San Rafael and Novato, where the new rate is 8.5 percent.

The statewide one-percent decrease results from the expiration of a statewide one-percent increase that began in April 2009 as part of the 2008-09 state budget agreement. It was due to end June 30, 2011, according to a news release from State Board of Equalization Chairman Jerome Horton.

The reduction affects the state share of the sales tax, which fell from 8.25 to 7.25 percent. 

As with the previous rate, Mill Valley's new rate of 8 percent remains average for municipalities statewide. Local rates vary between 7.25 percent and 9.75 percent.

Check out all the rates by clicking here.