Washington's statewide sales tax is 6.5 percent, but your total rate depends on local taxes

Washington has no state income tax, so it relies on sales tax instead. The state charges 6.5 percent on most purchases. However, cities and counties add their own local sales taxes on top of that. Your actual rate at checkout ranges from 6.5 percent to 10.25 percent depending on where you shop. A $100 purchase in Seattle costs more in tax than the same purchase in a smaller town.

The state collects its 6.5 percent and sends a portion to local governments. Cities and counties then set their own rates within limits set by state law. This is why two stores selling identical items can charge different total tax if they are in different jurisdictions.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington's state sales tax rate is 6.5 percent, but local cities and counties add additional taxes that raise your total rate to between 6.5 and 10.25 percent.
  • The tax you pay depends on the location of the store where you make the purchase, not where you live.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Washington.
  • Online purchases from out-of-state sellers may not include Washington sales tax, but you are responsible for reporting and paying use tax on those items.

Local tax rates vary by city and county

Washington allows cities to add up to 3.625 percent in local sales tax and counties to add up to 2.471 percent. Most cities and counties use less than the maximum. Seattle's combined rate is 10.25 percent (6.5 state plus 3.75 local). Spokane's is 8.9 percent. Rural areas often have lower rates because they add less local tax.

You can find your exact rate by entering your address into the Washington Department of Revenue's tax rate lookup tool on their website, or by asking a cashier. The rate printed on your receipt shows what you actually paid.

What is and is not taxed

Most tangible goods are taxed — clothing, electronics, furniture, and vehicles. Services are usually not taxed unless they are specifically listed in state law. Haircuts, plumbing repairs, and car repairs are not subject to sales tax. However, some services bundled with products are taxed, such as installation labor when you buy and install a new roof.

Groceries are exempt. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and other food you prepare at home. Prepared food — restaurant meals, deli sandwiches, and hot coffee — is taxed. Prescription medications are exempt, but over-the-counter drugs and vitamins are taxed. Medical devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids are exempt if they meet specific criteria.

How sales tax works for online and out-of-state purchases

If you buy from an online retailer that has a physical location or employees in Washington, they must collect and send Washington sales tax. Large retailers like Amazon and Walmart do this automatically. If you buy from a small out-of-state seller with no Washington presence, they typically do not collect the tax at checkout.

Washington law requires you to pay use tax on those purchases yourself. Use tax is the same rate as sales tax. Most people do not report it, but technically you owe it. If you make a large purchase from an out-of-state seller, you may see a notice on your state tax return asking about use tax owed. The Department of Revenue can also audit purchases if they suspect tax evasion.

Sales tax on vehicles and large purchases

Vehicle sales are taxed at your local rate, calculated on the purchase price. If you buy a car for $25,000 in Seattle, you pay $2,562.50 in sales tax (10.25 percent). If you buy the same car in a county with an 8 percent rate, you pay $2,000. The tax is due when you register the vehicle with the Department of Licensing, not at the dealership.

Some dealerships collect the tax upfront as part of the sale. Others collect it when you register. Either way, you cannot avoid it. If you buy a vehicle out of state and bring it to Washington, you still owe Washington sales tax when you register it.

Tax refunds and special situations

Washington does not refund sales tax to tourists or residents. If you overpay tax due to an error, you must contact the seller or the Department of Revenue to request a refund. Sellers can request refunds on your behalf if they made a mistake.

Certain organizations are exempt from sales tax. Nonprofits, government agencies, and Indian tribes can purchase items tax-free if they have the proper exemption certificate. Individuals cannot claim exemptions except for the specific categories listed above (groceries, prescriptions, medical devices).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay sales tax on items I buy online from Washington retailers?

Yes, if the retailer has a physical presence in Washington or meets certain sales thresholds, they must collect and remit sales tax. This applies whether you pick up the item in-store or have it shipped to you. The tax rate is based on your delivery address.

What happens if I buy something out of state and bring it to Washington?

You owe use tax on that purchase at the same rate as Washington sales tax. Most people do not report it, but the state can audit large purchases. If you buy a vehicle out of state, you must pay the tax when you register it with the Department of Licensing.

Are restaurant meals taxed differently than grocery store food?

Yes. Groceries you cook at home are not taxed. Prepared food — meals at restaurants, deli items, hot beverages, and bakery items sold warm — are all taxed at your local sales tax rate.

Can I get a sales tax refund if I move out of Washington?

No. Washington does not refund sales tax to people who leave the state or to tourists. Once you pay the tax, it stays with the state and local government.