Washington's statewide sales tax is 6.5%, but your actual rate depends on your county and city
Washington has no income tax, which is why the state relies on sales tax to fund schools, roads, and services. The base rate is 6.5% statewide, but most counties and cities add their own local tax on top of that. Your total sales tax can range from 6.5% to over 10%, depending on where you live or shop. The rate that applies is the one where the sale happens, not where you live.
When you buy something in a store or online with delivery to Washington, the seller charges the tax rate for that location. If you buy online and have it shipped to an address outside Washington, you typically do not pay Washington sales tax. If you pick it up in-store, the store's location determines the rate.
Key Takeaways
- Washington's base sales tax is 6.5%, but local additions bring most counties to 8% to 10.25%.
- The tax rate that applies is always the one where the purchase happens, not where you live.
- King County (Seattle area) is 10.25%; Snohomish County is 10.25%; Spokane County is 8.9%.
- You can find your exact rate by entering your address on the Department of Revenue website or asking a retailer.
- Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Washington.
How local taxes stack on top of the state rate
The 6.5% state rate is the floor. On top of that, counties add their own tax (usually 0.5% to 1.5%), and cities add theirs (usually 0.5% to 2%). A few cities have no additional local tax, but most do. The combination of county and city rates is what you see on your receipt.
For example, Seattle (King County) has a combined rate of 10.25%: the 6.5% state rate, plus 1.5% from King County, plus 2.25% from the City of Seattle. Spokane (Spokane County) is 8.9%: state rate plus 0.5% county plus 1.9% city. Smaller towns in rural counties may be lower—some are as low as 7.5% or 8%.
The rate can change even within a single city if you cross a boundary. If you shop on one side of a street and then the other, you might be in different tax zones. This is rare but happens in a few places where city boundaries are close together.
Finding your exact sales tax rate
The Washington Department of Revenue maintains a sales tax rate lookup tool on its website. You enter your street address, and it shows you the exact combined rate for that location. This is the most reliable way to know what you will pay.
If you do not have internet access, you can call the Department of Revenue at 1-360-705-6705, or ask the cashier at any store in your area. Most retailers know their local rate and can tell you on the spot. Rates can change once or twice a year when cities or counties adjust their local portion. The Department of Revenue updates its lookup tool when changes take effect, so check again if you have not looked in several months.
What is and is not taxed in Washington
Most items are taxed, but Washington exempts certain goods and services. Groceries—including bread, milk, eggs, vegetables, and meat—are not taxed. Prescription medications are exempt. Over-the-counter medicines like aspirin and cold medicine are taxed, but prescription drugs are not.
Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and diabetic supplies are exempt. Durable medical equipment prescribed by a doctor is generally not taxed. Clothing and shoes are taxed. Prepared food (restaurant meals, deli items, hot food) is taxed, but unprepared groceries are not. Services are usually not taxed unless they are specifically listed as taxable. Haircuts, car repairs, and plumbing are not taxed. However, some services bundled with goods—like installation of a product you buy—may be taxed depending on how the transaction is structured.
Sales tax rates in major Washington cities and counties
| City / County | Combined Sales Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Seattle (King County) | 10.25% |
| Bellevue (King County) | 10.25% |
| Tacoma (Pierce County) | 10.3% |
| Spokane (Spokane County) | 8.9% |
| Vancouver (Clark County) | 8.7% |
| Everett (Snohomish County) | 10.25% |
| Olympia (Thurston County) | 8.9% |
| Bellingham (Whatcom County) | 8.9% |
These rates are current as of 2024, but they can change. Use the Department of Revenue lookup tool to confirm the rate for your specific address, since rates can vary even within the same city depending on which tax district you are in.
The table above shows the combined state and local rates for the largest cities in Washington. Smaller towns and rural areas may have different rates depending on their county and city tax structure. Even within King County, rates can differ slightly between Seattle and nearby cities, so always verify your exact location.
How sales tax works for online and mail orders
If you order online and have the item shipped to a Washington address, the seller charges Washington sales tax based on the delivery address. If you have it shipped out of state, you typically do not pay Washington tax (though you may owe tax in the state where it is delivered).
If you order online and pick it up in-store at a Washington location, the tax rate for that store's location applies. Some retailers offer tax-free pickup for online orders placed outside the state, but this is rare and depends on the retailer's policy. Marketplace sellers on platforms like Amazon or eBay are required to collect Washington sales tax on orders shipped to Washington addresses. The tax is calculated based on the delivery zip code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Washington?
No. Groceries—bread, milk, produce, meat, eggs, and other unprepared food—are exempt from sales tax in Washington. Prepared food like restaurant meals, deli items, and hot food from a grocery store are taxed.
Is clothing taxed in Washington?
Yes. Clothing and shoes are subject to sales tax in Washington. There is no clothing exemption, unlike some other states.
What if I buy something online from out of state and have it shipped to Washington?
You pay Washington sales tax based on your delivery address. The seller is required to collect it. If you have it shipped to an address outside Washington, you do not pay Washington tax.
Can the sales tax rate change during the year?
Yes. Cities and counties can adjust their local tax rates, and changes usually take effect on specific dates. Check the Department of Revenue website if you have not looked in several months.
Why does Washington have such high sales tax?
Washington has no state income tax, so it relies on sales tax to fund schools, transportation, and state services. The combined state and local rates are higher than in states with income tax, but residents do not pay income tax on wages.