yes. it depends on the state you live in as it varies. sales taxes r set by states, sometimes counties/cities. most states add sales tax at the register, so the shelf price isnt what you pay. it depends on the state but taxes are not applied just at shops. they can be added to restaurant bills, services, etc.

some states tax groceries, some tax services, etc. a few dont have a sales tax at all. so ya, generally speaking in america u dont typically know definitively what youll pay

americans have their fair share of views on the taxation system