A value-added tax (VAT) is collected on a product at every stage of its production during which value is added to it, from its initial production to the point of sale. The amount of VAT that the user pays is based on the cost of the product, less any costs of materials used in the product that have already been taxed at a previous stage.

There is no VAT in the United States. Value-added tax is typically a percentage of the sale price. For example, if you purchase a pair of shoes for $100, and the value-added tax rate is 20%, you would pay $20 in VAT at the register when you pay for the shoes.