Washington has a state sales tax of 6.5 percent, plus local taxes that vary by county and city

Washington charges a state sales tax of 6.5 percent on most retail purchases. On top of that, your county and city may add their own local sales taxes. The total you pay at checkout depends on where you shop — a purchase in Seattle will have a different tax rate than the same purchase in Spokane or a small town outside the city limits.

The state tax applies to tangible goods: clothing, groceries, electronics, furniture, and most other items you can touch and take home. Services — haircuts, car repairs, accounting work — are generally not taxed at the state level, though some cities have added local taxes on specific services.

Washington has no state income tax, which is why the state relies on sales tax to fund schools, roads, and other services. That means the sales tax rate is higher here than in states that also collect income tax.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington's state sales tax is 6.5 percent, but your actual tax rate is higher because counties and cities add their own local taxes on top.
  • Local sales tax rates range from about 7.6 percent to over 10 percent depending on your location, so the total you pay varies by where you shop.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Washington.
  • The tax applies to the full purchase price, including shipping costs if you buy online from a retailer that collects Washington tax.

How local taxes stack on top of the state rate

Every county in Washington adds a local sales tax on top of the 6.5 percent state rate. County rates range from 0.5 percent to 2.5 percent. Many cities add an additional tax on top of the county rate. The result is that your total sales tax can be anywhere from 7.6 percent to over 10 percent depending on exactly where you are.

For example, King County (which includes Seattle) has a county rate of 0.5 percent, but Seattle itself adds 3.6 percent for a total of 10.6 percent. In contrast, a smaller city in a different county might have a total rate of 8.2 percent. If you shop near a city border, the tax rate can change by a full percentage point depending on which side of the line the store is on.

You can find your exact local rate by entering your address on the Washington Department of Revenue website, or by asking a cashier or store manager. The rate does not change often, but it can shift if a city or county votes to raise or lower its portion.

What is and is not taxed in Washington

Groceries and food for home consumption are not taxed in Washington. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, frozen meals, and most other items you buy at a grocery store to eat at home. The exemption does not cover prepared food — restaurant meals, deli hot foods, and food from a food truck are all taxed.

Prescription medications and certain medical equipment are also exempt. Over-the-counter medicines like cold medicine or pain relievers are taxed, but prescription drugs are not. Medical devices prescribed by a doctor — such as diabetic supplies or mobility aids — may be exempt depending on the specific item.

Clothing and footwear are taxed in Washington, unlike some other states. School supplies, books, and office supplies are taxed. Gasoline is taxed, though it has its own separate fuel tax on top of sales tax. Services like haircuts, plumbing, or car repairs are generally not subject to state sales tax, though some cities have added local taxes on certain services.

Sales tax on online purchases

If you order something online from a retailer that has a physical location or significant business presence in Washington, that retailer must collect and send Washington sales tax to the state. This includes major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. The tax is calculated based on the delivery address, so if you live in Seattle, you pay Seattle's rate even if you order from a retailer based elsewhere.

Retailers based outside Washington are not required to collect Washington tax unless they meet certain sales thresholds. However, Washington residents are technically responsible for paying "use tax" — a tax on purchases made outside the state — on items they bring into Washington. In practice, this is rarely enforced for individual purchases, but it is the law.

When you check out online, the tax should appear as a separate line item before you complete your purchase. If it does not, contact the retailer to confirm whether tax was included in the price or if there was an error.

Who collects and where the money goes

Retailers collect sales tax at the point of sale and send it to the Washington Department of Revenue. The state then distributes the money to counties and cities according to a formula. The revenue funds public schools, which receive the largest share, as well as roads, public safety, and other state and local services.

Businesses are required to register with the Department of Revenue and file tax returns, usually monthly or quarterly depending on how much tax they collect. If a business fails to collect or send in the tax, the state can pursue the business for back taxes and penalties.

Sales tax holidays and special exemptions

Washington does not have an annual sales tax holiday like some states do. However, certain items and situations have permanent exemptions beyond groceries and medications. For example, items sold for export outside the United States are not taxed, and some agricultural equipment used in farming is exempt.

Nonprofit organizations may be exempt from paying sales tax on certain purchases if they have the proper documentation. Tribal nations have their own tax systems and may not be subject to state sales tax depending on where the purchase occurs and who is making it.

If you think a purchase should be exempt, ask the retailer or contact the Department of Revenue. Exemptions are specific and narrow, so most everyday purchases will be taxed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sales tax included in the price shown on the shelf?

No. The price on the shelf or online is before tax. Sales tax is added at checkout. This is why the total you pay is higher than the advertised price.

Do I pay sales tax if I buy something in another state and bring it to Washington?

Technically, yes — Washington law says you owe use tax on out-of-state purchases. In practice, this is not enforced for individual shoppers. However, if you buy a car or other high-value item out of state, you may owe tax when you register it in Washington.

What if a store charges me the wrong tax rate?

Ask the cashier or manager to correct it. If the error is large or happens repeatedly, you can contact the Washington Department of Revenue to report it. Keep your receipt as proof.

Are there any items that used to be taxed but are not anymore?

Washington's tax rules change slowly and rarely. The main exemptions — groceries, prescription drugs, and certain medical equipment — have been in place for many years. Check the Department of Revenue website for the most current list.