Washington's statewide sales tax is 6.5 percent, but your actual rate depends on local taxes added on top
Washington has no state income tax, which is why the state relies on sales tax to fund schools, roads, and services. The state sales tax rate is 6.5 percent, but most cities and counties add their own local sales tax on top of that. Your total rate — what you actually pay at checkout — ranges from 6.5 percent in a few rural areas to as high as 10.25 percent in some cities. The rate you pay depends entirely on where you make the purchase, not where you live.
Local sales tax rates change when cities or counties pass new tax measures, so the rate in your neighborhood may not be the same as it was a year ago. You can find your exact local rate by entering your address on the Washington Department of Revenue website, or by asking a cashier in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Washington's state sales tax is 6.5 percent, but local taxes add 0 to 3.75 percent more depending on your city or county.
- Your total sales tax rate is determined by the location where you make the purchase, not by where you live or work.
- The Washington Department of Revenue website lets you search your address to see your exact combined rate.
- Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Washington.
How local taxes stack on top of the state rate
When you buy something in Washington, you pay the 6.5 percent state tax plus any local taxes that apply to that specific location. Cities can add a local sales tax, and counties can add a separate local sales tax. Some areas have both. A city in one county might have a combined rate of 8.9 percent, while a city in a neighboring county might be 7.2 percent.
These local rates are not uniform across the state. Seattle's combined rate is 10.25 percent. Spokane's is 8.9 percent. Small towns in rural counties may have only the 6.5 percent state rate. The rate can even change if you cross a city boundary — buying something on one side of a street might be taxed at a different rate than buying it on the other side.
Local tax rates also change when voters approve new measures or when existing taxes expire. If you are planning a large purchase, it is worth checking your current rate first, because a rate change can add up to real money on expensive items.
What is and is not taxed in Washington
Most goods and services are subject to sales tax in Washington, but some important categories are exempt. Groceries — food you buy to cook at home — are not taxed. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and frozen food you prepare yourself. Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed.
Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax when you fill them at a pharmacy with a valid prescription. Over-the-counter medications like aspirin or cold medicine are taxed. Medical equipment prescribed by a doctor — such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or diabetic supplies — is also exempt, but you usually need documentation from your doctor.
Clothing and shoes are taxed in Washington, unlike some other states. Diapers, feminine hygiene products, and other personal care items are taxed. Gasoline is taxed, but the tax is included in the pump price you see. Services like haircuts, car repairs, and dental work are taxed.
Finding your exact local sales tax rate
The fastest way to find your rate is to visit the Washington Department of Revenue's sales tax rate lookup tool on their website. Enter your street address, and the tool will show you the combined state and local rate for that location. This is the rate you will pay on taxable purchases at that address.
If you do not have internet access, you can call the Washington Department of Revenue at 1-360-705-6705 and provide your address. A staff member can tell you your rate over the phone. You can also ask a business in your area — most cashiers know the local rate by heart.
Keep in mind that the rate shown is current as of the date you look it up, but local tax rates can change. If you are making a large purchase or planning a business decision based on tax rates, check again closer to the date of purchase to make sure the rate has not changed.
Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases
Washington requires sales tax to be collected on most online purchases, even if you buy from a seller outside the state. If you order from a national retailer or marketplace, they typically collect Washington sales tax based on your shipping address. The rate applied is the combined state and local rate for the address where the item is being delivered.
If a seller does not collect sales tax at checkout, you may be responsible for reporting and paying the tax yourself when you file your state tax return — though most individual purchases do not trigger this requirement. Large purchases or regular buying patterns are more likely to be flagged.
For purchases from small out-of-state sellers who do not collect tax, the practical reality is that most individual consumers do not report these purchases. However, the legal requirement exists, and Washington has been increasing enforcement in this area.
How sales tax affects your budget
Sales tax adds up quickly on large purchases. A $1,000 item in Seattle costs $102.50 in tax at the 10.25 percent rate. The same item in a rural area with only the 6.5 percent state rate costs $65 in tax — a difference of $37.50. On a car purchase or home renovation, these differences can amount to hundreds or thousands of dollars.
If you live near a city border and make frequent large purchases, it can be worth buying in the lower-tax area when possible. However, most people cannot easily change where they shop, and the difference is usually small enough that convenience matters more than tax savings.
For budgeting purposes, remember that the price tag you see does not include sales tax. If something costs $100, you will pay $106.50 to $110.25 depending on your location. This is different from many other states where sales tax is included in the advertised price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washington have sales tax on groceries?
No. Food you buy to cook at home — produce, meat, dairy, bread, frozen vegetables — is not taxed. Restaurant meals, prepared foods, and food you eat in the store are taxed. Some items like candy, soda, and hot food from a deli counter are considered prepared food and are taxed even if you buy them at a grocery store.
What is the sales tax rate in Seattle?
Seattle's combined sales tax rate is 10.25 percent as of 2024. This includes the 6.5 percent state rate plus 3.75 percent in local taxes. The rate can change if voters approve new measures, so check the Department of Revenue website to confirm the current rate.
Do I pay sales tax on clothes in Washington?
Yes. Washington taxes clothing and shoes at the full sales tax rate. Unlike some states that exempt clothing, Washington treats it as a regular taxable good. This applies to all clothing items regardless of price.
Can I get a refund on sales tax I already paid?
Generally, no. Sales tax is final once you pay it at checkout. The only exception is if you return an item for a refund — the store will refund the sales tax along with the purchase price. If you believe you were overcharged on tax, contact the store first, then the Washington Department of Revenue if the issue is not resolved.
Is sales tax included in the price shown on the shelf?
No. Prices shown in Washington stores do not include sales tax. The amount you see on the shelf is the pre-tax price. Sales tax is added at checkout based on your location and the items you are buying.