Product Tax Categories define how each product is classified for tax calculation when using Stripe Tax. Assigning the correct tax category ensures that taxes are calculated accurately based on regional tax rules and product type.
With Stripe Tax enabled, Tax Code is a mandatory field. Every product must be associated with a valid Stripe Tax Category so the system can determine:
- Whether the product is taxable
- How it should be taxed in different regions
- Which regional exemptions or rules apply
By standardising tax classification at the product level, Product Tax Categories help:
- Automate region-based tax calculations
- Reduce manual tax configuration
- Maintain compliance across countries, states, and tax jurisdictions
Product Tax Categories
This page acts as a reference list of all Stripe-supported tax categories available in the system, allowing merchants to view, filter, and export tax codes before assigning them to products individually or via bulk import.
To view available tax categories:
Go to Products → Product Tax Category
This opens a read-only reference page that lists all tax categories supported in the system.
Tax Categories
On this page, you’ll see a complete list of tax categories with the following details:
- ID
The Stripe Tax Code used internally for tax calculation (for example, txcd_20010000). - Type
The category type the product falls under, such as:- Physical
- Services
- Digital
- Events
- Description
A detailed explanation of what the tax category represents and when it applies. - Name
A human-readable category name (for example, Apparel, Shipping, Admission to Events).
This page is view-only and is intended to help merchants identify the correct tax category for their products. You can also search and filter categories to quickly find the relevant tax code.
Exporting and Filtering Tax Categories
The Product Tax Category page also includes tools to help you quickly find and reuse tax category data, especially when working with large catalogues or bulk imports.
Export Tax Categories
- Click Export on the top-right of the page.
- A CSV file is downloaded automatically.
- The exported file includes all available tax categories along with their tax codes and details.
Filter Tax Categories
- Click Filters to narrow down the list of tax categories.
- You can filter categories by Type, such as:
- Physical
- Services
- Digital
- Events
- Filtering only controls what is displayed on this page, helping you browse and review relevant tax categories more easily.
- Applying filters does not assign tax categories to products or update any existing product data.
Assigning a Tax Category to a Product
Always verify the selected Product Tax Category, as it directly impacts how taxes are calculated and applied during checkout.
Manual Assignment (Single Product)
If required, you can also assign a tax category while editing a product:
- Go to Products
- Open the product you want to update
- Scroll to the Organise section
- Locate the Tax Category field
- Select the appropriate tax category from the searchable dropdown
- Click Save
This ensures the product is included correctly in tax calculations during checkout.
Bulk Updating Tax Categories via CSV
For merchants managing large catalogues, tax categories can also be assigned in bulk.
When importing products using CSV:
- A Tax Code column is available
- Enter the appropriate Stripe Tax Code for each product
- On upload, the system automatically maps and applies the tax category
The Product Tax Category page acts as a reference when preparing CSV files, helping you select the correct tax codes before import.
Product Tax Categories are essential for accurate tax calculation with Stripe Tax. By assigning the correct category—either manually or in bulk—you ensure that each product follows the appropriate tax rules without additional configuration.