Washington's statewide sales tax rate is 6.5 percent
Washington charges a 6.5 percent state sales tax on most retail purchases. This is the baseline rate that applies everywhere in the state. However, your actual tax at checkout will almost always be higher, because cities and counties add their own local sales taxes on top of the state rate.
The total you pay depends on where you buy. A purchase in Seattle will have a different tax than the same purchase in Spokane or a small town in rural Washington. Local rates range from about 0.5 percent to 3.9 percent, so your total sales tax bill can be anywhere from 7 percent to over 10 percent depending on your location.
Key Takeaways
- Washington's state sales tax is 6.5 percent, but your total tax rate includes local additions that vary by city and county.
- Major cities like Seattle (10.25 percent), Tacoma (10.3 percent), and Spokane (8.9 percent) have combined rates well above the state baseline.
- Sales tax applies to most goods but not to groceries, prescription medications, or most services.
- The tax is collected at the point of sale by the retailer, who then sends it to the state and local governments.
How local taxes stack on top of the state rate
Washington allows cities and counties to impose their own sales taxes in addition to the state's 6.5 percent. These local taxes fund schools, transit, and other services. A city might add 1.5 percent and a county might add 0.5 percent, for example, bringing your total to 8.5 percent.
The exact breakdown depends on which taxing districts cover your location. Some areas have only a city tax, some have only a county tax, and some have both. A few areas also have special district taxes for things like public transportation or stadiums. You cannot avoid the local portion by shopping in a different part of town — the tax is based on where the sale happens, not where you live.
To find your exact local rate, you can search the Washington Department of Revenue website by address, or ask the cashier at checkout. Most retailers display the combined rate on their receipts.
What is and is not taxed in Washington
Sales tax in Washington applies to tangible goods — things you can touch and take home. Clothing, electronics, furniture, and most other retail items are taxed. However, Washington has several important exemptions that reduce what you pay tax on.
Groceries are not taxed. This includes food you prepare at home: bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and canned goods. It does not include prepared food, hot food, or food you eat at a restaurant or food cart.
Prescription medications are not taxed. Over-the-counter medicines and vitamins are taxed, but prescription drugs filled by a pharmacist are exempt.
Most services are not taxed. Haircuts, car repairs, medical visits, and plumbing work do not have sales tax. However, some services do get taxed — landscaping, pest control, and car rental are examples. The rule is not consistent, so if you are unsure, ask before you pay.
Combined sales tax rates in Washington's largest cities
| City | Combined Rate |
|---|---|
| Seattle | 10.25% |
| Tacoma | 10.3% |
| Spokane | 8.9% |
| Vancouver | 8.8% |
| Bellevue | 10.25% |
| Kent | 10.3% |
These rates are current as of 2024 but can change when cities or counties adjust their local taxes. If you live near a city border, the rate can shift by a full percentage point depending on which side of the line you shop on.
The variation between cities reflects different local needs and funding priorities. Larger cities with more public services tend to have higher combined rates than smaller towns or rural areas.
How sales tax is collected and where the money goes
When you buy something at a store, the retailer calculates the sales tax based on your location and adds it to your bill. The store collects this money and sends it to the Washington Department of Revenue, which then distributes it to the state and local governments.
The state keeps its 6.5 percent portion. Local governments — cities, counties, and special districts — receive their portions based on the local rates that apply in their areas. This is how sales tax funds schools, roads, public safety, and other services without requiring a state income tax, which Washington does not have.
Online purchases are also subject to Washington sales tax if the seller has a physical presence in the state or meets certain sales thresholds. This rule changed in recent years, so most online retailers now collect Washington tax at checkout.
Sales tax on specific purchases you might wonder about
Some purchases fall into gray areas. Clothing is taxed, but not all clothing items — for example, some states exempt certain items like shoes or underwear. Washington taxes all clothing. Diapers and feminine hygiene products are taxed in Washington, though some states have removed these taxes in recent years.
Alcohol is taxed at the regular sales tax rate, plus Washington also charges excise taxes on beer, wine, and spirits — those are separate from sales tax and are higher. Gasoline has sales tax plus a state fuel tax. Vehicles are taxed, but the tax is based on the purchase price, not the final amount you pay after trade-ins.
If you are unsure whether a specific item is taxed, the Washington Department of Revenue publishes a detailed list of taxable and exempt items on its website. You can also contact the department directly with questions about particular purchases.
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 stores a few blocks apart might have different rates if they are in different tax districts.
Do I pay sales tax on online orders shipped to Washington?
Yes, if the seller has a physical presence in Washington or meets sales thresholds set by state law. Most large online retailers now collect Washington sales tax at checkout. The rate applied is based on your shipping address, not where the seller is located.
Why does Washington have sales tax but no income tax?
Washington chose to fund state and local services primarily through sales tax rather than income tax. This is a policy decision made by the state legislature. Sales tax is the main source of revenue for schools, roads, and other public services in Washington.
Can I get sales tax refunded if I return something?
Yes. When you return an item for a refund, the retailer refunds the sales tax along with the purchase price. If you exchange an item for a different one, the tax is recalculated based on the new purchase price.
Do I need to pay sales tax on items I buy for my business?
That depends on the type of business and the type of item. Some business purchases are exempt from sales tax if they are resold or used directly in production. You will need a resale certificate from the Washington Department of Revenue to claim these exemptions. Contact the department for details about your specific situation.