Mountain View Sales Tax Drops 1 Percent

We could all use a little bit of change, especially if it's the kind left in our pockets after shopping.

On July 1, the new sales tax rate fell a full percentage point throughout California, which makes Mountain View's rate now at 8.25 percent.

The city's tax rate had been 9.25 percent, but the lower statewide base tax rate, from 8.25 percent to 7.25 percent, consequently lowers the amount the everyday consumer is taxed in the city.

The statewide 1 percent decrease resulted from the expiration of a statewide 1 percent increase that began in April 2009 as part of the 2008-09 state budget agreement, which had a June 30, 2011, sunset, according to a news release from State Board of Equalization.

Mountain View's sales tax rate reflects the median for Santa Clara County, with only Campbell slightly higher at 8.5 percent. In the Bay Area, El Cerrito and Union City, where the new rate tops 9.25 percent, have the highest sales taxes in California outside Los Angeles County.

Additional reporting by Charles Burress.