Washington's sales tax is a tax on goods and some services that you pay at the point of sale

Washington State does not have an income tax. Instead, it funds state and local services through a sales tax — a percentage added to the price of most items you buy in stores, restaurants, and online. The tax is collected by the seller and sent to the state and local governments.

The rate you pay depends on where you live. Washington's state sales tax is 6.5%, but cities and counties add their own local taxes on top of that. Your total rate could range from 6.5% to over 10%, depending on your location. When you see a price tag in a store, the sales tax is not included in that number — it gets added at checkout.

Sales tax applies to most physical goods — clothing, groceries, electronics, furniture — and to certain services like restaurant meals, haircuts, and car repairs. Some items are exempt, meaning no sales tax applies to them at all. Understanding what is taxed and what is not can help you budget and understand your receipts.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington State's base sales tax rate is 6.5%, but your actual rate includes local taxes added by your city or county, making the total anywhere from 6.5% to over 10%.
  • Sales tax is added at checkout and is not included in the price tag you see in stores.
  • Most physical goods and services like restaurant meals and repairs are taxed, but groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt.
  • Online purchases from out-of-state sellers are subject to Washington sales tax if the seller has a physical presence or meets certain sales thresholds in the state.

Washington's state rate and how local taxes stack on top

The Washington State Department of Revenue sets the state sales tax at 6.5%. This is the baseline that applies everywhere in the state. However, cities and counties can add their own local sales taxes, which means your actual rate at checkout is higher than 6.5%.

Local tax rates vary widely. Seattle's combined rate is around 10.25%, while smaller towns may have rates closer to 7% or 8%. The only way to know your exact rate is to check your city or county's rate, which you can find on the Washington State Department of Revenue website or by asking a local business. When you buy something, the receipt will show the total tax charged.

The state keeps 6.5% of what you pay in tax. The remainder goes to your local city and county governments to fund schools, roads, public safety, and other services. This is why the rate differs from place to place — each locality sets its own portion based on its budget needs.

What items are taxed and what are exempt

Most things you buy in Washington are subject to sales tax, including clothing, electronics, furniture, toys, and household goods. Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed. Services like haircuts, car repairs, dry cleaning, and plumbing are also taxed.

Some items are exempt from sales tax, meaning you do not pay tax on them. Groceries — unprepared food you buy at a supermarket — are not taxed. Prescription medications and certain medical equipment are exempt. Diapers and feminine hygiene products became exempt in 2020. Prosthetics, hearing aids, and mobility devices are also exempt.

The line between taxed and exempt can be confusing. For example, a sandwich you buy at a deli counter is taxed as prepared food, but a loaf of bread you buy from the grocery shelf is not. A vitamin sold as a supplement is taxed, but a prescription vitamin ordered by a doctor may not be. If you are unsure whether something is taxed, ask the cashier or check the Washington State Department of Revenue website.

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

If you buy something online from a company that has a warehouse, office, or other physical presence in Washington State, you pay Washington sales tax at checkout. The same applies if the seller meets Washington's economic nexus threshold — currently $1,250 in sales to Washington residents in the current or prior calendar year.

This means that even if you order from a company based in another state, if they meet these conditions, they must collect and send Washington sales tax. Most large online retailers — Amazon, Walmart, Target — have a presence in Washington and collect tax on orders shipped to Washington addresses.

If you order from a small seller who does not have a presence in Washington and has not met the sales threshold, they may not collect tax at checkout. However, Washington State law requires you to pay use tax on those purchases yourself when you file your state tax return. In practice, most individual shoppers do not report use tax, but the obligation exists.

Who collects the tax and where the money goes

The seller — whether a store, restaurant, or online company — is responsible for collecting sales tax from you at the point of sale. They hold that money and send it to the Washington State Department of Revenue on a regular schedule, usually monthly or quarterly depending on the business size.

The state then distributes the tax revenue. The state keeps its 6.5% portion to fund state operations, education, and infrastructure. The local portion goes to your city and county. Some of that local money is earmarked for specific purposes — for example, some cities dedicate a portion of sales tax to affordable housing or transit.

Businesses are required to register with the Department of Revenue and obtain a tax registration certificate before they can legally collect and remit sales tax. If a business fails to collect or remit tax, the state can impose penalties and interest.

Sales tax on specific categories you might wonder about

Groceries and food: Unprepared groceries like milk, bread, vegetables, and meat are not taxed. Hot prepared foods, restaurant meals, and deli items are taxed. Candy and soda are taxed in Washington.

Clothing and shoes: All clothing and footwear are taxed, with no exemption for children's clothing or any other category.

Gas and fuel: Gasoline and diesel are taxed, but the tax is built into the pump price you see — you do not see it added separately.

Services: Most services are taxed, including haircuts, car repairs, plumbing, electrical work, and cleaning services. Legal and accounting services are generally not taxed.

Digital products: Software, apps, e-books, and digital subscriptions are taxed in Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sales tax included in the price tag I see in stores?

No. The price tag shows the base price before tax. Sales tax is added at checkout. This is why your total bill is higher than the price tag. The receipt will show the tax amount separately.

Do I pay sales tax on groceries?

Unprepared groceries — items you cook at home like vegetables, meat, bread, and milk — are not taxed. Hot prepared foods, restaurant meals, and items from a deli counter are taxed. Candy and soda are also taxed.

What is the sales tax rate where I live?

Washington's state rate is 6.5%, but your total rate includes local taxes from your city and county. Rates range from 6.5% to over 10% depending on location. Check the Washington State Department of Revenue website and enter your address, or ask a local business for the exact rate in your area.

Do I have to pay sales tax on online orders?

If the online seller has a physical presence in Washington or has sold more than $1,250 to Washington residents in the current or prior year, they must collect and remit sales tax. Most large retailers do this automatically. Smaller sellers may not, but you are technically required to report and pay use tax on those purchases yourself.

Are there any items completely exempt from sales tax?

Yes. Unprepared groceries, prescription medications, diapers, feminine hygiene products, prosthetics, hearing aids, and certain mobility devices are exempt. Some services like legal and accounting work are also exempt. The full list is available on the Washington State Department of Revenue website.