When you go to purchase something on April 1, 2009 and see that the sales tax has gone up by one percent, don't expect to hear "April Fools!" come out of the cashier's mouth.

Beginning on the first day of April, as part of the state's budget, sales tax will increase by one percent throughout California.

Sacramento County will now have a sales tax of 8.75 percent; Placer County and El Dorado County 8.25 percent; with the city of Placerville at 8.5 percent. San Francisco will have a 9.5 percent sales tax; Stockton will be at 9 percent. Davis, West Sacramento and Woodland will be at 8.75 percent as well, despite Yolo County being at 8.25 percent due to voter approved increases.

According to the Board of Equalization's website, the sales tax increase will be in effect until July 1, 2011, or July 1, 2012, depending on the result of the vote in May for the Budget Stabilization constitutional amendment.

May 11, 2009 will see another increase in postage. The first class rate for stamps will increase two cents from $0.42 to $0.44.

For more information on sales tax increases, visit the Board of Equalization's website.