Tax without shipping charges

How can I setup the tax to not include shipping charges? I would like the tax to incude the price of the items only.
Furthermore, is there a way to have a Shipping method radio button selected by default?

Thank you.

I figured out the shipping method problem. I gave each product a weight and setup the shipping methods by weight.

Thank you for your reply. If I understand you correctly, that is how I have it set up. The shipping methods and categories are working. However, what I want is for a tax to be generated on the item cost alone. We should not charge a tax on the shipping cost. Is there a way to change the order of events?

Oooooh!! I think I understand what you mean. I should go into each shipping method and change the tax category. Thanks!!!!! I try that.

OK. I changed the tax category in each shipping method to "NONE" and it worked.

Thank you!