Average Retail Return Rate (2024 Data): eCommerce vs In-Store

Highlights. eCommerce or online sales returns declined 20.8% from 2021 to 2022 while in-store returns increased 7.20%.

The average retail return rate is 16.6% for eCommerce and 16.4% for in-store purchases.
In 2022, consumers returned $212 billion in merchandise from online sales and $603 billion from in-store sales.
10.8% of online retail sales returns and 10.3% of in-store retail returns are fraudulent.
During the holiday shopping season, retail return rates increase 8.48%.

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Bar Graph: Total Value of Retail Returns in Billions from 2017 ($351) to 2022 ($816) according to Statista

Retail Return Rates

The U.S. retail industry, including online and brick-and-mortar stores, transacted $4.95 trillion in sales in 2022.

The average retail return rate is 16.5%, down 0.72% year-over-year (YoY).
Consumers returned $816 billion in merchandise in 2022, up 7.2% YoY.
For every $100 in sales, consumers return $16.48 in merchandise.
26% of all returned online sales that are returned to brick-and-mortar locations are fraudulent.
58% of consumers purchase products in multiple sizes and return items that don’t fit.
Sizing is the primary reason for 42% of all retail returns.
17% of returns are due to damage while 13% are due to inaccurate item descriptions.

Percentage of Annual Retail Return Dollars
Year	Total Sales	YoY Change
2022	16.5%	-0.72%
2021	16.6%	56.6%
2020	10.6%	30.9%
2019	8.1%	-19.0%
2018	10.0%	0.00%

eCommerce Return Rates

The dollar value of annual eCommerce returns increases each year.

26.0% of retail return dollars are from items purchased online.
$212 billion or 16.4% of online sales revenue is lost to returns.
The dollar value of returned online merchandise declined $6 billion or 2.75% from 2021 to 2022.
37% of eCommerce returns are returned through the carrier to mail back.
20% of consumers are more likely to return products they purchased online as opposed to in-store purchases.

Bar Graph: Percentage of Retail Revenue Returned from 2017 (10.0%) to 2022 (16.5%) according to Statista

In-Store Return Rates

In-store purchases are more likely to be returned than online purchases.

73.9% of retail return dollars are from items purchased in brick-and-mortar stores.
$603 billion or 16.5% of in-store sales revenue is lost to returns.
The dollar value of returned in-store merchandise declined $60 billion or 11.0% from 2021 to 2022.
33% of consumers are more likely to return products they purchased in-store as opposed to online purchases.

Grouped Bar Graph: Total Value of Annual Retail Returns in Billions from 2021 and 2022 for in-store, online, and holiday segments according to the National Retail Federation

Consumer Return Rates

Consumers are more likely to return clothing than any other type of product; they are least likely to return computers.

12% of consumers say they never return clothing.
81% of consumers return clothing “sometimes” or “occasionally.”
88% of consumers have returned clothing.
70% of consumers report having returned an item because it didn’t fit.
The second-most common reason consumers give for returns is damaged or defective items (65%).
8% of consumers have returned computers.

Grouped Bar Graph: Share of Annual Retail Sales Returned from 2021 and 2022 for in-store, online, and holiday segments according to the National Retail Federation

Return Fraud Rates

Clothing returns are the most likely to be fraudulent.

Fraudulent returns cost retailers $84.9 billion in 2022.
10.4% of retail returns are fraudulent.
Online returns are 4.43% more likely to be fraudulent than in-store returns.
Brick-and-mortar stores lost $62.1 billion in 2022 to fraudulent returns.
Online retailers lost $22.8 billion to fraudulent returns in 2022.
An estimated 10.7% of online purchases returned in-store are fraudulent.
8.6% of online purchases returned to non-store locations are fraudulent.
50% of clothing returns are fraudulent.

Grouped Bar Graph: Share of Fraudulent Annual Retail Sales Returns from 2021 and 2022 for in-store, online, and holiday segments according to the National Retail Federation

Holiday Return Rates

U.S. retailers deal with a higher rate of returns during the holiday shopping season than they do throughout the year.

17.9% of holiday purchases are returned.
$171 billion in holiday sales dollars are returned.
10.1% of holiday sales returns are fraudulent.
Retailers lose $17.3 billion to fraudulent holiday returns.
44% of retailers plan to hire more staff specifically to handle holiday returns.

National Map: Sales Tax Lost of Return Fraud in Millions by state according to the National Retail Federation

State-Level Return Rates

In most states, retail return processes include some sales tax revenue.

The average state’s retailers accepted approximately $16 billion in merchandise returns in 2022.
States lost an estimated $4.74 billion in sales tax to retail return fraud.
Hawaii retailers accept the highest rate of returns per consumer (i.e. the 18+ state population), processing $24,059* in returns for each permanent resident.
California retailers lose the most sales dollars to returns, processing $91 billion in returns.

*In this calculation, Hawaii’s consumer population does not include seasonal residents or tourists.

National Map: Average Annual Consumer Retail Return Value in Thousands by state according to the National Retail Federation

Alabama

Retail returns cost the State of Alabama $392 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Alabama retailers accept an estimated $12.56 billion in annual returns.
Alabama retailers process $3,169 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Alabama loses $502 million in sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Alabama retailers an estimated $1.31 billion.
The State of Alabama loses $52.2 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Alabama and its retailers a combined $1.36 billion.

Alaska

The State of Alaska has no sales tax to lose to retail returns.

At the average return rate, Alaska retailers accept an estimated $2.11 billion in annual returns.
Alaska retailers process $3,794 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost Alaska retailers an estimated $220 million.

Arizona

Retail returns cost the State of Arizona $17.0 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Arizona retailers accept an estimated $15.7 billion in annual returns.
Arizona retailers process $2,715 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Arizona loses an estimated $877 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Arizona retailers an estimated $1.63 billion.
The State of Arizona loses $91.2 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Arizona and its retailers a combined $1.72 billion.

Arkansas

Retail returns cost the State of Arkansas $368 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Arkansas retailers accept an estimated $8.10 billion in annual returns.
Arkansas retailers process $3,448 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Arkansas loses an estimated $526 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Arkansas retailers an estimated $842 million.
The State of Arkansas loses $54.7 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Arkansas and its retailers a combined $897 million.

California

Retail returns cost the State of California $5.71 billion more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, California retailers accept an estimated $91.1 billion in annual returns.
California retailers process $2,984 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of California loses an estimated $6.60 billion in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost California retailers an estimated $9.47 billion.
The State of California loses $687 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of California and its retailers a combined $10.2 billion.

Colorado

Retail returns cost the State of Colorado $504 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Colorado retailers accept an estimated $13.5 billion in annual returns.
Colorado retailers process $2,911 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Colorado loses an estimated $390 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Colorado retailers an estimated $1.40 billion.
The State of Colorado loses $40.6 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Colorado and its retailers a combined $1.44 billion.

Connecticut

Retail returns cost the State of Connecticut $301 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Connecticut retailers accept an estimated $9.35 billion in annual returns.
Connecticut retailers process $3,229 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Connecticut loses an estimated $594 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Connecticut retailers an estimated $972 million.
The State of Connecticut loses $61.7 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Connecticut and its retailers a combined $1.03 billion.

Delaware

The State of Delaware has no sales tax.

At the average return rate, Delaware retailers accept an estimated $2.74 billion in annual returns.
Delaware retailers process $3,382 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
Fraudulent returns cost Delaware retailers an estimated $285 million.

District of Columbia

Retail returns cost D.C. $819 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, D.C. retailers accept an estimated $1.26 billion in annual returns.
Retailers process $2,294 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
D.C. loses an estimated $75.4 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost D.C. retailers an estimated $131 million.
D.C. loses $7.84 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of D.C. and its retailers a combined $138 million.

Florida

Retail returns cost the State of Florida $2.50 billion more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Florida retailers accept an estimated $56.6 billion in annual returns.
Florida retailers process $3,154 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Florida loses an estimated $3.40 billion in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Florida retailers an estimated $5.89 billion.
The State of Florida loses $353 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Florida and its retailers a combined $6.24 billion.

Georgia

Retail returns cost the State of Georgia $89.7 million more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Georgia retailers accept an estimated $24.6 billion in annual returns.
Georgia retailers process $2,928 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Georgia loses an estimated $984 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Georgia retailers an estimated $2.56 billion.
The State of Georgia loses $102 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Georgia and its retailers a combined $2.66 billion.

Hawaii

Retail returns cost the State of Hawaii $205 million more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Hawaii retailers accept an estimated $27.5 billion in annual returns.
Hawaii retailers process $24,059 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Hawaii loses an estimated $1.10 billion in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Hawaii retailers an estimated $2.86 billion.
The State of Hawaii loses $114 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Hawaii and its retailers a combined $2.97 billion.

Idaho

Retail returns cost the State of Idaho $640 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Idaho retailers accept an estimated $4.25 billion in annual returns.
Idaho retailers process $2,877 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Idaho loses an estimated $255 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Idaho retailers an estimated $442 million.
The State of Idaho loses $26.5 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Idaho and its retailers a combined $468 million.

Illinois

Retail returns cost the State of Illinois $1.04 billion more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Illinois retailers accept an estimated $31.0 billion in annual returns.
Illinois retailers process $3,143 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Illinois loses an estimated $1.94 billion in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Illinois retailers an estimated $3.22 billion.
The State of Illinois loses $201 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Illinois and its retailers a combined $3.42 billion.

Indiana

Retail returns cost the State of Indiana $215 million more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Indiana retailers accept an estimated $15.8 billion in annual returns.
Indiana retailers process $3,011 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Indiana loses an estimated $1.11 billion in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Indiana retailers an estimated $1.65 billion.
The State of Indiana loses $115 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Indiana and its retailers a combined $1.76 billion.

Iowa

Retail returns cost the State of Iowa $416 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Iowa retailers accept an estimated $7.97 billion in annual returns.
Iowa retailers process $3,219 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Iowa loses an estimated $478 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Iowa retailers an estimated $829 million.
The State of Iowa loses $49.7 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Iowa and its retailers a combined $879 million.

Kansas

Retail returns cost the State of Kansas $476 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Kansas retailers accept an estimated $6.43 billion in annual returns.
Kansas retailers process $2,864 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Kansas loses an estimated $418 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Kansas retailers an estimated $669 million.
The State of Kansas loses $43.5 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Kansas and its retailers a combined $713 million.

Kentucky

Retail returns cost the State of Kentucky $274 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Kentucky retailers accept an estimated $10.3 billion in annual returns.
Kentucky retailers process $2,947 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Kentucky loses an estimated $620 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Kentucky retailers an estimated $1.08 billion.
The State of Kentucky loses $64.5 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Kentucky and its retailers a combined $1.14 billion.

Louisiana

Retail returns cost the State of Louisiana $403 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Louisiana retailers accept an estimated $11.1 billion in annual returns.
Louisiana retailers process $3,132 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Louisiana loses an estimated $492 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Louisiana retailers an estimated $1.15 billion.
The State of Louisiana loses $51.2 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Louisiana and its retailers a combined $1.20 billion.

Maine

Retail returns cost the State of Maine $680 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Maine retailers accept an estimated $3.90 billion in annual returns.
Maine retailers process $3,425 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Maine loses an estimated $214 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Maine retailers an estimated $405 million.
The State of Maine loses $22.3 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Maine and its retailers a combined $427 million.

Maryland

Retail returns cost the State of Maryland $15.2 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Maryland retailers accept an estimated $14.7 billion in annual returns.
Maryland retailers process $3,041 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Maryland loses an estimated $879 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Maryland retailers an estimated $1.52 billion.
The State of Maryland loses $91.4 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Maryland and its retailers a combined $1.62 billion.

Massachusetts

Retail returns cost the State of Massachusetts $187 million more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Massachusetts retailers accept an estimated $17.3 billion in annual returns.
Massachusetts retailers process $3,064 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Massachusetts loses an estimated $1.08 billion in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Massachusetts retailers an estimated $1.79 billion.
The State of Massachusetts loses $112 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Massachusetts and its retailers a combined $1.90 billion.

Michigan

Retail returns cost the State of Michigan $545 million more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Michigan retailers accept an estimated $24.0 billion in annual returns.
Michigan retailers process $3,028 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Michigan loses an estimated $1.44 billion in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Michigan retailers an estimated $2.50 billion.
The State of Michigan loses $150 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Michigan and its retailers a combined $2.65 billion.

Minnesota

Retail returns cost the State of Minnesota $150 million more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Minnesota retailers accept an estimated $15.2 billion in annual returns.
Minnesota retailers process $3,432 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Minnesota loses an estimated $1.04 billion in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Minnesota retailers an estimated $1.58 billion.
The State of Minnesota loses $109 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Minnesota and its retailers a combined $1.69 billion.

Mississippi

Retail returns cost the State of Mississippi $329 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Mississippi retailers accept an estimated $8.09 billion in annual returns.
Mississippi retailers process $3,577 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Mississippi loses an estimated $566 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Mississippi retailers an estimated $841 million.
The State of Mississippi loses $58.9 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Mississippi and its retailers a combined $900 million.

Missouri

Retail returns cost the State of Missouri $187 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Missouri retailers accept an estimated $16.7 billion in annual returns.
Missouri retailers process $3,477 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Missouri loses an estimated $708 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Missouri retailers an estimated $1.74 billion.
The State of Missouri loses $73.5 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Missouri and its retailers a combined $1.81 billion.

Montana

The State of Montana has no sales tax.

At the average return rate, Montana retailers accept an estimated $3.11 billion in annual returns.
Montana retailers process $3,496 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
Fraudulent returns cost Montana retailers an estimated $323 million.

Nebraska

Retail returns cost the State of Nebraska $604 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Nebraska retailers accept an estimated $5.29 billion in annual returns.
Nebraska retailers process $3,544 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Nebraska loses an estimated $291 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Nebraska retailers an estimated $550 million.
The State of Nebraska loses $30.2 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Nebraska and its retailers a combined $580 million.

Nevada

Retail returns cost the State of Nevada $289 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Nevada retailers accept an estimated $8.84 billion in annual returns.
Nevada retailers process $3,554 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Nevada loses an estimated $606 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Nevada retailers an estimated $919 million.
The State of Nevada loses $63.0 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Nevada and its retailers a combined $982 million.

New Hampshire

The State of New Hampshire has no sales tax.

At the average return rate, New Hampshire retailers accept an estimated $4.84 billion in annual returns.
New Hampshire retailers process $4,235 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
Fraudulent returns cost New Hampshire retailers an estimated $503 million.

New Jersey

Retail returns cost the State of New Jersey $707 million more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, New Jersey retailers accept an estimated $24.2 billion in annual returns.
New Jersey retailers process $3,323 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of New Jersey loses an estimated $1.60 billion in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost New Jersey retailers an estimated $2.51 billion.
The State of New Jersey loses $166 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of New Jersey and its retailers a combined $2.68 billion.

New Mexico

Retail returns cost the State of New Mexico $620 million more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, New Mexico retailers accept an estimated $5.35 billion in annual returns.
New Mexico retailers process $3,237 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of New Mexico loses an estimated $274 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost New Mexico retailers an estimated $557 million.
The State of New Mexico loses $28.5 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of New Mexico and its retailers a combined $585 million.

New York

Retail returns cost the State of New York $945 million more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, New York retailers accept an estimated $46.0 billion in annual returns.
New York retailers process $2,932 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of New York loses an estimated $1.84 billion in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost New York retailers an estimated $4.78 billion.
The State of New York loses $191 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of New York and its retailers a combined $4.97 billion.

North Carolina

Retail returns cost the State of North Carolina $240 million more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, North Carolina retailers accept an estimated $23.9 billion in annual returns.
North Carolina retailers process $2,842 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of North Carolina loses an estimated $1.13 billion in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost North Carolina retailers an estimated $2.48 billion.
The State of North Carolina loses $118 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of North Carolina and its retailers a combined $2.60 billion.

North Dakota

Retail returns cost the State of North Dakota $780 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, North Dakota retailers accept an estimated $2.30 billion in annual returns.
North Dakota retailers process $3,850 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of North Dakota loses an estimated $115 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost North Dakota retailers an estimated $239 million.
The State of North Dakota loses $11.9 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of North Dakota and its retailers a combined $251 million.

Ohio

Retail returns cost the State of Ohio $623 million more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Ohio retailers accept an estimated $26.4 billion in annual returns.
Ohio retailers process $2,871 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Ohio loses an estimated $1.52 billion in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Ohio retailers an estimated $2.74 billion.
The State of Ohio loses $158 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Ohio and its retailers a combined $2.90 billion.

Oklahoma

Retail returns cost the State of Oklahoma $496 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Oklahoma retailers accept an estimated $8.85 billion in annual returns.
Oklahoma retailers process $2,887 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Oklahoma loses an estimated $398 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Oklahoma retailers an estimated $921 million.
The State of Oklahoma loses $41.4 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Oklahoma and its retailers a combined $962 million.

Oregon

The State of Oregon has no sales tax.

At the average return rate, Oregon retailers accept an estimated $9.98 billion in annual returns.
Oregon retailers process $2,933 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
Fraudulent returns cost Oregon retailers an estimated $1.04 billion.

Pennsylvania

Retail returns cost the State of Pennsylvania $946 million more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Pennsylvania retailers accept an estimated $30.7 billion in annual returns.
Pennsylvania retailers process $2,964 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Pennsylvania loses an estimated $1.84 billion in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Pennsylvania retailers an estimated $3.19 billion.
The State of Pennsylvania loses $191 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Pennsylvania and its retailers a combined $3.38 billion.

Rhode Island

Retail returns cost the State of Rhode Island $716 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Rhode Island retailers accept an estimated $2.55 billion in annual returns.
Rhode Island retailers process $2,868 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Rhode Island loses an estimated $179 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Rhode Island retailers an estimated $265 million.
The State of Rhode Island loses $18.6 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Rhode Island and its retailers a combined $284 million.

South Carolina

Retail returns cost the State of South Carolina $189 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, South Carolina retailers accept an estimated $11.8 billion in annual returns.
South Carolina retailers process $2,824 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of South Carolina loses an estimated $706 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost South Carolina retailers an estimated $1.22 billion.
The State of South Carolina loses $73.4 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of South Carolina and its retailers a combined $1.30 billion.

South Dakota

Retail returns cost the State of South Dakota $771 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, South Dakota retailers accept an estimated $2.75 billion in annual returns.
South Dakota retailers process $3,978 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of South Dakota loses an estimated $124 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost South Dakota retailers an estimated $286 million.
The State of South Dakota loses $12.9 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of South Dakota and its retailers a combined $299 million.

Tennessee

Retail returns cost the State of Tennessee $329 million more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Tennessee retailers accept an estimated $17.5 billion in annual returns.
Tennessee retailers process $3,171 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Tennessee loses an estimated $1.22 billion in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Tennessee retailers an estimated $1.82 billion.
The State of Tennessee loses $127 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Tennessee and its retailers a combined $1.95 billion.

Texas

Retail returns cost the State of Texas $2.99 billion more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Texas retailers accept an estimated $62.1 million in annual returns.
Texas retailers process $2,752 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Texas loses an estimated $3.88 billion in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Texas retailers an estimated $6.46 billion.
The State of Texas loses $404 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Texas and its retailers a combined $6.87 billion.

Utah

Retail returns cost the State of Utah $563 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Utah retailers accept an estimated $6.83 billion in annual returns.
Utah retailers process $2,788 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Utah loses an estimated $331 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Utah retailers an estimated $710 million.
The State of Utah loses $34.4 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Utah and its retailers a combined $745 million.

Vermont

Retail returns cost the State of Vermont $766 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Vermont retailers accept an estimated $2.13 billion in annual returns.
Vermont retailers process $4,004 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Vermont loses an estimated $128 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Vermont retailers an estimated $222 million.
The State of Vermont loses $13.3 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Vermont and its retailers a combined $235 million.

Virginia

Retail returns cost the State of Virginia $2.82 million more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Virginia retailers accept an estimated $20.9 billion in annual returns.
Virginia retailers process $3,061 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Virginia loses an estimated $897 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Virginia retailers an estimated $2.17 billion.
The State of Virginia loses $93.3 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Virginia and its retailers a combined $2.26 billion.

Washington

Retail returns cost the State of Washington $249 million more in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Washington retailers accept an estimated $17.6 billion in annual returns.
Washington retailers process $2,866 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Washington loses an estimated $1.14 billion in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Washington retailers an estimated $1.83 billion.
The State of Washington loses $119 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Washington and its retailers a combined $1.95 billion.

West Virginia

Retail returns cost the State of West Virginia $623 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, West Virginia retailers accept an estimated $4.52 billion in annual returns.
West Virginia retailers process $3,176 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of West Virginia loses an estimated $271 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost West Virginia retailers an estimated $470 million.
The State of West Virginia loses $28.2 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of West Virginia and its retailers a combined $498 million.

Wisconsin

Retail returns cost the State of Wisconsin $152 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Wisconsin retailers accept an estimated $14.8 billion in annual returns.
Wisconsin retailers process $3,195 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Wisconsin loses an estimated $742 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Wisconsin retailers an estimated $1.54 billion.
The State of Wisconsin loses $77.2 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Wisconsin and its retailers a combined $1.62 billion.

Wyoming

Retail returns cost the State of Wyoming $818 million less in lost sales tax compared to the average state.

At the average return rate, Wyoming retailers accept an estimated $1.90 billion in annual returns.
Wyoming retailers process $4,215 in returns per consumer over 12 months.
The State of Wyoming loses an estimated $76.1 million in annual sales tax dollars to retail returns.
Fraudulent returns cost Wyoming retailers an estimated $198 million.
The State of Wyoming loses $7.91 million in sales tax dollars to retail return fraud.
Annual fraudulent retail returns cost the State of Wyoming and its retailers a combined $206 million.

These data and insights were compiled by the Capital One Shopping team based on publicly available data.

Retail Return Rate Statistics