LA County Sales Tax Hike Takes Effect Oct. 1: Base Rate Rises to 10.25%
Los Angeles County shoppers began paying more at the register on October 1 as Measure ER, the Essential Services Restoration Act approved by county voters in June, took effect. The half-cent countywide sales tax raised the county base rate from 9.75% to 10.25%, and because California sales taxes are stacked, combined rates in many cities now exceed 11% — 11.25% in Santa Monica, 11% in Pasadena and West Hollywood, and 11.75% in Palmdale and Lancaster.
The measure passed on June 2, 2026 with 50.64% of the vote. County officials project the five-year tax will generate about $1 billion a year for health services, public health and related programs; the county's spending plan prioritizes health care services, safety-net providers, county hospitals and clinics, and public health programs. Groceries, prescription drugs and certain medical equipment remain exempt. The tax expires on October 1, 2031, unless voters extend it.
The June 2 vote passed with 50.64 percent in favor — 1,013,747 yes votes to 987,977 no votes. County finance officials said the Measure ER revenue will be accounted for separately, and the Board of Supervisors has pledged to direct the bulk of it to sustaining the health system and county public services.
Sources: FOX LA; Culver City Observer.
Source: FOX LA
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, Another Believer
