Washington's statewide sales tax is 6.5 percent, but your actual rate depends on where you live
Washington has no income tax, so the state relies on sales tax to fund services. The base rate is 6.5 percent statewide. However, most cities and counties add their own local tax on top of that. Your total sales tax rate is the combination of state tax plus any local additions, which means the rate you pay can range from 6.5 percent to over 10 percent depending on your exact location.
When you buy something in Washington, the seller is responsible for charging the correct rate for that address. If you shop online and the seller has a physical location in Washington, they must charge your local rate. If the seller has no Washington location, they typically do not charge sales tax, though this rule has exceptions for very large retailers.
Key Takeaways
- Washington's base sales tax is 6.5 percent, but most cities and counties add local tax on top of that amount.
- Your total rate depends on your city and county, and can range from 6.5 percent to over 10 percent.
- Some items are exempt from sales tax in Washington, including groceries, prescription medications, and medical equipment.
- You can find your exact local rate by entering your address on the Washington Department of Revenue website or by calling your city or county tax assessor.
How local taxes stack on top of the state rate
Most Washington cities charge an additional local sales tax between 0.5 percent and 2.5 percent. Some counties also add a regional tax. These local rates are not optional — they are set by city and county governments and apply to all purchases made within that jurisdiction.
For example, Seattle charges 10.25 percent total (6.5 percent state plus 3.75 percent local). Spokane charges 8.9 percent total (6.5 percent state plus 2.4 percent local). A small town outside a major city might charge only 6.5 percent if it has no local additions. The rate you pay is determined by where the sale physically happens, not where you live or where the business is headquartered.
If you buy something in one city and take it to another, you pay the tax rate of the city where you made the purchase. If you order online from a retailer with a Washington warehouse or store, you pay the tax rate of that location, not your home address.
What items are not subject to sales tax
Washington exempts certain categories of goods from sales tax entirely. Groceries — including bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and other food you prepare at home — are not taxed. Prescription medications and medical equipment such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and diabetic supplies are also exempt. Durable medical equipment prescribed by a doctor is generally not taxed.
Clothing and footwear are taxed in Washington, unlike some other states. Prepared food, restaurant meals, and food from a deli counter are taxed. Over-the-counter medications and vitamins are taxed. If you are unsure whether a specific item is taxed, the Washington Department of Revenue publishes a detailed list of exempt items on its website.
Finding your exact local sales tax rate
The fastest way to find your rate is to visit the Washington Department of Revenue website and use their sales tax rate lookup tool. You enter your street address, city, and ZIP code, and the tool returns your exact combined rate. This tool is updated regularly as cities and counties change their rates.
You can also call your city or county tax assessor's office directly. They can tell you the current rate and explain any recent changes. If you own a business or file taxes in Washington, your accountant or tax preparer will have your local rate on file.
When sales tax rates change
Cities and counties can change their local sales tax rates, though this does not happen frequently. When a rate change occurs, it usually takes effect on the first day of a month. Retailers are required to update their systems before the change date, but mistakes sometimes happen — if you notice you were charged an incorrect rate, contact the retailer and ask for a refund of the difference.
Major rate changes are usually announced several months in advance through local government websites and news outlets. If you live in Washington and want to stay informed about rate changes in your area, you can check your city or county government website or sign up for email updates from your local tax assessor.
Sales tax on online and mail orders
If you order from an online retailer that has a physical presence in Washington — such as a warehouse, store, or office — the retailer must charge you Washington sales tax at your local rate. This applies even if the company is based outside Washington.
If the retailer has no physical location in Washington, they typically do not charge sales tax. However, Washington law requires you to pay use tax on those purchases when you file your state tax return. Use tax is the same rate as sales tax and applies to items you bought out of state or online without sales tax. Most people do not report use tax, but it is technically owed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sales tax the same everywhere in Washington?
No. The state rate is 6.5 percent everywhere, but cities and counties add local taxes that vary by location. Your total rate depends on your exact address. Two neighborhoods in the same city might have different rates if one is in an unincorporated county area and the other is in the city limits.
Do I pay sales tax on groceries?
No. Groceries — food you buy to prepare at home — are exempt from sales tax in Washington. This includes produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods. Prepared food, restaurant meals, and items from a deli counter are taxed.
What if a store charged me the wrong sales tax?
Contact the store and ask for a refund of the difference. Bring your receipt and explain the error. Most stores will issue a refund or credit without argument. If the store refuses, you can contact the Washington Department of Revenue to report the error.
Do I have to pay sales tax on online purchases?
If the online retailer has a physical location in Washington, yes — they must charge you sales tax at your local rate. If they have no Washington location, they typically do not charge tax, but you may owe use tax when you file your state return.
Can I get a sales tax exemption certificate?
If you own a business and buy items for resale, you can obtain a resale certificate from the Washington Department of Revenue. This allows you to buy wholesale without paying sales tax. Individuals cannot get exemption certificates for personal purchases.