Washington's statewide sales tax is 6.5 percent
Washington State charges a 6.5 percent sales tax on most retail purchases. This is the base rate that applies everywhere in the state. However, your total sales tax will likely be higher because cities and counties add their own local taxes on top of the state rate.
The combined rate you pay depends on where you make the purchase. A purchase in Seattle will have a different total tax than the same purchase in Spokane or a small town in rural Washington. The state collects the statewide portion, and local jurisdictions collect their portions.
Key Takeaways
- Washington's base sales tax rate is 6.5 percent, but most people pay more because cities and counties add local taxes.
- Combined sales tax rates in Washington range from about 8.5 percent to over 10 percent depending on location.
- Sales tax applies to most goods but not to groceries, prescription medications, or most services.
- You can find your exact local rate by entering your address on the Washington Department of Revenue website or asking a retailer.
How local taxes stack on top of the state rate
When you buy something in Washington, the retailer collects three separate taxes: the state rate, the county rate, and the city rate. These are added together to create your total sales tax. A city in King County might have a state rate of 6.5 percent, a county rate of 0.5 percent, and a city rate of 1.75 percent, for a combined total of 8.75 percent.
Local rates vary widely. Some areas have combined rates around 8.5 percent, while others exceed 10 percent. The variation exists because each city and county sets its own local rate independently. A retailer in one neighborhood may charge a different total tax than a retailer two blocks away in a different city.
The Washington Department of Revenue maintains a database where you can search by address or ZIP code to find the exact combined rate for any location in the state. You can also call a retailer and ask what their total sales tax rate is.
What items are taxed and what are not
Sales tax in Washington applies to most tangible goods — clothing, electronics, furniture, household items, and similar products. However, certain categories are exempt from sales tax entirely.
Groceries are not taxed. This includes food items you buy at a grocery store or supermarket for home consumption: bread, milk, vegetables, meat, canned goods, and similar items. Prepared food and restaurant meals are taxed. Hot food from a deli counter is taxed, but cold items you take home are not.
Prescription medications are not taxed. Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers and cold medicine are taxed, but prescriptions filled by a pharmacist are exempt.
Most services are not taxed. Haircuts, medical visits, car repairs, and labor services generally do not have sales tax applied. However, some services do have tax — for example, certain telecommunications services and some digital products.
Combined rates by major Washington cities
Sales tax rates vary significantly across Washington's major cities. The table below shows the combined state, county, and city rates for some of the largest population centers. These rates are current as of 2024 but can change when cities or counties adjust their local rates.
| City | Combined Sales Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Seattle | 10.25% |
| Tacoma | 10.3% |
| Vancouver | 8.7% |
| Spokane | 8.9% |
| Bellevue | 10.25% |
| Everett | 10.1% |
Rates shown are for purchases made within city limits. Unincorporated areas of counties typically have lower combined rates because they do not include city tax. If you live or shop in an area not listed here, use the Department of Revenue lookup tool to find your specific rate.
How to find your exact local sales tax rate
The most reliable way to find your exact rate is through the Washington Department of Revenue's sales tax rate lookup tool on their website. You enter your street address or ZIP code, and the tool returns the combined state, county, and city rate for that location.
You can also call the Department of Revenue directly at 1-360-705-6705 during business hours and provide your address. A staff member can tell you the exact rate. Many local city and county tax assessor offices also maintain this information and can answer questions about rates in their jurisdiction.
If you are shopping online or by mail, the retailer's location determines the tax rate, not yours. Washington does not require out-of-state retailers to collect sales tax on most purchases shipped to Washington residents, though this rule has exceptions for certain large retailers.
Why Washington relies on sales tax instead of income tax
Washington State has no income tax on wages or salaries. Instead, the state funds government services primarily through sales tax and other consumption-based taxes. This is why Washington's sales tax rates are higher than many other states — the state depends on sales tax revenue rather than income tax revenue.
This structure means that people who spend more pay more in total tax, while people with high incomes but low spending pay less. Residents who move to Washington from states with income tax often notice they pay sales tax on more types of purchases than they did before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on online purchases shipped to Washington?
Most online retailers now collect Washington sales tax on orders shipped to Washington addresses, even if the retailer is based out of state. This applies to large retailers like Amazon. Some smaller online sellers may not collect it, but you may owe use tax on those purchases when you file taxes. Check the retailer's website or contact them to confirm whether tax is included in the price shown.
Is sales tax included in the price shown at the register?
No. The price displayed on items and signs does not include sales tax. The tax is added at checkout. This means the total you pay will be higher than the marked price. Some states include tax in the displayed price, but Washington does not.
Can I get a sales tax refund if I'm visiting Washington from another state?
Washington does not have a sales tax refund program for visitors. Unlike some countries and a few U.S. states, Washington does not refund sales tax to tourists. You pay the full combined rate on all taxable purchases regardless of where you live.
What is the difference between sales tax and use tax?
Sales tax is collected by the retailer when you buy something. Use tax is a tax you owe on purchases where sales tax was not collected — typically items bought out of state and brought into Washington, or certain online purchases. Most people do not pay use tax directly; it is reported on state tax returns. The rate is the same as sales tax for your location.
Do I pay sales tax on services like haircuts or car repairs?
Most services in Washington are not subject to sales tax. Haircuts, medical services, car repairs, and plumbing work typically have no sales tax. However, some services do have tax — certain telecommunications services and some digital services. Ask the service provider if you are unsure whether tax applies to what you are purchasing.