Seattle's current sales tax rate
Seattle's combined sales tax rate is 10.25% as of 2024. This rate applies to most retail purchases within city limits. The rate is made up of the Washington State sales tax (6.5%), King County sales tax (0.5%), and Seattle's local sales tax (3.25%).
The 10.25% figure is what you see charged at the register. It applies to clothing, groceries, electronics, meals at restaurants, and most other goods and services sold in Seattle. Some items are taxed at a lower rate or not taxed at all — those rules are set by Washington State, not by Seattle itself.
Key Takeaways
- Seattle's sales tax is 10.25%, made up of state (6.5%), county (0.5%), and city (3.25%) portions.
- Groceries and prescription medications are taxed at a lower rate of 6.5% because the state tax applies but local taxes do not.
- Clothing and shoes under $175 per item are not taxed in Washington State, but this exemption does not apply to accessories or athletic wear.
- The rate you pay depends on where the sale happens — buying in Seattle means you pay Seattle's rate, even if you live elsewhere.
What items are taxed differently in Seattle
Washington State exempts certain items from sales tax entirely, and others from the local portion. Groceries — including meat, produce, dairy, and packaged foods — are taxed at 6.5% (state only, no local tax). Prescription medications are also taxed at 6.5%. These exemptions apply everywhere in Washington, including Seattle.
Clothing and shoes under $175 per item are not taxed at all in Washington State. This means a $100 shirt costs $100, not $110.25. However, this exemption does not cover accessories (belts, hats, gloves, scarves), athletic wear marketed as performance gear, or items over the $175 threshold. A $200 pair of shoes is taxed at the full 10.25%.
Prepared food — meals at restaurants, deli counters, and food trucks — is taxed at the full 10.25%. Unprepared food you cook at home is not. This distinction matters: a rotisserie chicken from a grocery store deli counter is taxed; a raw chicken from the meat section is not.
How the tax breaks down by source
The 10.25% rate in Seattle comes from three layers of tax, each set by a different government body. Understanding the breakdown helps explain why the rate is what it is and why it may differ slightly in nearby areas.
| Tax Source | Rate | Who Sets It |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State Sales Tax | 6.5% | State legislature |
| King County Sales Tax | 0.5% | County government |
| Seattle Local Sales Tax | 3.25% | City government |
| Total in Seattle | 10.25% | — |
The state portion (6.5%) applies everywhere in Washington. The county and city portions vary by location. If you buy something in Shoreline or Bellevue, you will pay a different local rate because those cities have their own tax rates. Online purchases shipped to a Seattle address are typically taxed at 10.25% if the seller collects Washington sales tax.
Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases
If you order something online and have it shipped to a Seattle address, you usually pay Seattle's 10.25% sales tax — but only if the seller collects it. Large retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target collect Washington sales tax on orders shipped to the state. Smaller sellers may not, depending on their sales volume and business structure.
If a seller does not collect sales tax at checkout, Washington State expects you to pay "use tax" on your own tax return. Use tax is the same rate as sales tax (10.25% in Seattle) and applies to items you bought out of state or online without tax collected. Most people do not pay it, but it is technically owed. The state does not actively pursue individual use tax claims for small purchases.
How sales tax affects your budget in Seattle
A 10.25% sales tax is one of the highest in the nation. On a $100 purchase, you pay $10.25 in tax. On a $500 grocery bill, you pay $32.50 (at the lower 6.5% rate for food). On a $1,000 electronics purchase, you pay $102.50.
If you are budgeting for a move to Seattle or comparing costs to other cities, the sales tax rate matters. Seattle has no state income tax, which is why the sales tax is higher — the state funds itself through sales tax, property tax, and other sources instead. This trade-off means your paycheck is not reduced by income tax, but your purchases cost more at the register.
Where the sales tax money goes
The 6.5% state portion funds Washington State's general budget — schools, highways, social services, and other state programs. The 0.5% King County portion funds county services like the sheriff's office, courts, and public health. The 3.25% Seattle portion funds city services including police, fire, parks, and transit.
Seattle's local sales tax has been increased several times over the past decade to fund specific programs. A portion of the city's sales tax is dedicated to affordable housing, homelessness services, and transit expansion. When you see the 10.25% rate, you are paying into all three levels of government at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Seattle?
Yes, but at a lower rate. Groceries are taxed at 6.5% (state tax only) instead of the full 10.25%. This includes meat, produce, dairy, bread, and packaged foods. Prepared foods like rotisserie chicken or deli sandwiches are taxed at 10.25%.
Are clothes tax-free in Seattle?
Clothing and shoes under $175 per item are not taxed in Washington State. A $100 shirt costs $100. Items over $175, accessories, and athletic wear marketed as performance gear are taxed at the full 10.25%.
Why is Seattle's sales tax so high?
Washington State has no income tax, so it relies on sales tax to fund state services. Seattle also added local sales tax to pay for housing, homelessness services, and transit. The combination of state, county, and city taxes creates the 10.25% rate.
Do I pay Seattle sales tax if I live outside the city?
Yes. Sales tax is based on where the purchase happens, not where you live. If you buy something in Seattle, you pay Seattle's 10.25% rate, even if you live in Shoreline or another nearby city.
What about sales tax on online purchases?
Large online retailers collect Washington sales tax on orders shipped to the state. You pay 10.25% on items shipped to a Seattle address. Smaller sellers may not collect it, but you are technically responsible for paying use tax on your own return.