Washington has a state sales tax of 6.5 percent, plus local taxes that vary by county and city

Washington State charges a 6.5 percent state sales tax on most retail purchases. On top of that, your county and city add their own local sales taxes. The total you pay at checkout ranges from 8.1 percent to 10.25 percent depending on where you shop. A few categories — groceries, prescription drugs, and some medical equipment — are exempt from state tax, though local taxes may still apply.

Unlike income tax states, Washington relies heavily on sales tax to fund schools, roads, and services. This means the tax hits at the register, not on your annual tax return. If you live, work, or shop in Washington, you will see it on nearly every purchase except those specific exemptions.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington State's base sales tax is 6.5 percent, but your actual rate depends on your city and county, ranging from 8.1 to 10.25 percent total.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and certain medical devices are exempt from the state portion of sales tax.
  • Services like haircuts, car repairs, and restaurant meals are taxed, though prepared food has different rules than grocery items.
  • Online purchases from out-of-state sellers are subject to Washington sales tax if the seller has a physical presence or meets sales thresholds in the state.

How local sales tax rates are added to the state rate

The 6.5 percent state rate is the floor. Your city and county then layer on their own percentages. A city might add 1.5 percent and a county might add 0.5 percent, bringing your total to 8.5 percent. Some areas have higher local rates — Seattle, for example, has a combined rate of 10.25 percent. The rate you pay depends on the exact address where the purchase happens, not where you live.

You can find your specific rate by entering your address on the Washington Department of Revenue website or by asking a retailer. Rates change occasionally when cities or counties adjust their local tax, so the rate you paid last year may not be the rate you pay today.

What is and is not taxed in Washington

Exempt from state sales tax: Groceries (unprepared food you cook at home), prescription drugs, insulin, diabetic supplies, and certain medical equipment like wheelchairs and hearing aids. Feminine hygiene products are also exempt.

Taxed at the full rate: Restaurant meals, prepared foods from delis or bakeries, alcohol, tobacco, gasoline, clothing, electronics, furniture, and most services including haircuts, car repairs, and plumbing. Digital products like e-books, streaming subscriptions, and software downloads are taxed.

The line between "grocery" and "prepared food" matters. A rotisserie chicken from a grocery store deli is taxed because it is prepared. Raw chicken from the meat counter is not. Coffee beans are not taxed; a cup of coffee from a café is. If you are unsure, ask the cashier — they apply these rules daily.

Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases

If you order from an out-of-state retailer and have it shipped to Washington, you owe Washington sales tax on that purchase. Large online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target already collect Washington tax at checkout because they have warehouses or offices in the state. Smaller sellers may not collect it automatically.

If a seller does not collect Washington sales tax, you are technically responsible for paying it yourself when you file your state tax return — though most people do not. The state calls this the "use tax" and it is the same rate as sales tax. In practice, enforcement is limited for individual purchases, but the obligation exists.

Washington has no state income tax

Washington is one of nine states with no state income tax. This is why the state relies on sales tax, property tax, and business taxes to fund government. You will not file a state income tax return or pay state income tax on wages, investments, or retirement income.

This structure affects how you plan financially. You keep more of each paycheck, but you pay tax every time you spend. Retirees and people on fixed incomes often find sales tax more burdensome than income tax because they spend a larger share of their money on taxable purchases.

Business and resale tax in Washington

If you run a business in Washington, you need a resale permit to buy inventory without paying sales tax. You then collect sales tax from customers and send it to the state. The rate you collect matches your location's combined state and local rate.

Businesses also pay a separate Business and Operations Tax (B&O) based on gross revenue, not profit. This is a different tax from sales tax and applies to most business activities. Rates vary by business classification — retailing, wholesaling, manufacturing, and services each have different rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Washington?

No state sales tax applies to unprepared groceries — raw meat, produce, bread, milk, eggs, and canned goods are all exempt. However, prepared foods like rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches, and bakery items are taxed. Local sales tax may still apply to some exempt items depending on your city.

What is the sales tax rate in Seattle?

Seattle's combined sales tax rate is 10.25 percent: 6.5 percent state plus 3.75 percent local. Other Washington cities have different rates. Check the Department of Revenue website or ask a retailer for your exact rate.

Do I have to pay sales tax on clothes?

Yes, clothing is fully taxed in Washington at your local combined rate. There is no clothing exemption. This includes shoes, accessories, and all apparel.

Is sales tax charged on services like haircuts or car repairs?

Yes, most services are taxed. Haircuts, car repairs, plumbing, electrical work, and similar services are subject to sales tax at your location's combined rate.

What happens if an online seller doesn't collect Washington sales tax?

You are technically responsible for paying "use tax" — the same rate as sales tax — on your state tax return. In practice, most individuals do not report these purchases. Large retailers almost always collect it automatically because they have a physical presence in Washington.