Proposal
If approved, the measure would adopt the “2026 Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance.” The Ordinance would impose a retail transactions and use tax (sales tax) increasing the sales tax rate in Berkeley by one-half of one percent (0.5%), or one half cent, on every dollar of taxable sales of goods in the City, and on the taxable storage, use or consumption in the City of goods purchased. The measure would bring the aggregate sales tax rate in Berkeley to 10.75%, subject to voter approval of any other sales tax increases applicable in the City.
This would be a general tax, meaning the revenue from the tax would be placed into the General Fund and could be spent on any valid municipal purpose. If adopted, the tax would go into effect beginning April 1, 2027, and last until ended by the voters.
The tax would be paid in addition to current sales taxes and would be collected at the same time and in the same manner as existing sales taxes by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, with the revenue then paid over to the City.
Source: Measure V Impartial Analysis