Washington's statewide sales tax is 6.5 percent, but your actual rate depends on local taxes in your city and county

Washington has no income tax, so the state relies on sales tax to fund schools, roads, and services. The base rate is 6.5 percent statewide. However, cities and counties add their own local sales taxes on top of that. Your total rate—what you actually pay at the register—is the combination of state tax plus all local taxes that explore where you live or shop. This means the rate varies by location, sometimes significantly.

If you live in Seattle, for example, you pay 10.25 percent total (6.5 percent state plus 3.75 percent local). In Spokane, the rate is 8.9 percent. In some smaller towns, it may be lower. The rate also depends on where you make the purchase, not where you live. If you buy something in a different city or county, you pay that location's rate.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington's state sales tax is 6.5 percent, but local cities and counties add their own taxes on top of that amount.
  • Your total sales tax rate ranges from 6.5 percent to over 10 percent depending on which city and county you shop in.
  • You pay the sales tax rate of the location where you make the purchase, not the rate where you live.
  • Some items are exempt from sales tax in Washington, including most groceries, prescription medications, and medical equipment.

How local taxes stack on top of the state rate

Washington allows cities and counties to impose their own sales taxes within limits set by state law. A city might add 1 to 2 percent, and a county might add another 0.5 to 1.5 percent. These stack together. So if you shop in a city with a 1.5 percent local tax and a county with a 1 percent tax, you add both to the 6.5 percent state rate, giving you 9 percent total.

The local rates are not uniform across the state. Some counties have higher rates than others, and cities within the same county may have different rates. This is why two towns 20 miles apart can have noticeably different checkout totals on the same item. The rate is set by the local government where the business is located, not by the customer's home address.

What items are exempt from sales tax

Not everything you buy is subject to sales tax in Washington. Groceries—fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, and other food you cook at home—are exempt. This exemption does not cover prepared foods, restaurant meals, or food eaten on premises. A sandwich from a deli counter is taxed; a loaf of bread from the shelf is not.

Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax. Over-the-counter medicines and vitamins are taxed. Medical equipment prescribed by a doctor—such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and diabetic supplies—is also exempt. Clothing and shoes are taxed in Washington, unlike some other states.

Services are generally not subject to sales tax, though there are exceptions. Labor on repairs and installation is usually not taxed, but the parts you buy for that repair are. If you hire a plumber to fix a leak, you pay sales tax on the pipe and fittings but not on the labor itself.

Finding your exact local rate

The Washington Department of Revenue maintains a sales tax rate lookup tool on its website. You enter your address or business location, and it shows you the exact combined rate for that spot. This is the fastest way to know what you will pay. You can also call the Department of Revenue directly, though the online tool is usually quicker.

If you shop online, the rate depends on where the seller ships the item. If a Washington business ships to your address in Washington, Washington sales tax applies. If you order from out of state and it ships to Washington, Washington tax may still explore depending on the seller's nexus in the state and current tax law. When in doubt, check the tax shown at checkout—that is what you will owe.

Sales tax on specific purchases

Gasoline is subject to sales tax in Washington, plus a state fuel tax of about 49.4 cents per gallon (this varies slightly). The sales tax applies to the pump price before the fuel tax is added. Vehicles themselves are taxed at the point of sale, and the rate is the same as any other purchase in that location.

Alcohol is taxed at the standard sales tax rate, plus Washington imposes excise taxes on beer, wine, and spirits. These excise taxes are separate from sales tax and are set by the state. Digital goods—ebooks, software, streaming subscriptions—are generally taxed as services, though the rules can be complex depending on the type of product.

How sales tax affects your budget

Sales tax is not included in the price tags you see in Washington stores. The amount shown is the pre-tax price. You pay the tax at checkout. This means a $100 item actually costs you $106.50 to $110 or more, depending on your location. When you are budgeting or comparing prices between states, remember to add the local sales tax to the sticker price.

If you make frequent large purchases—furniture, appliances, or vehicles—the sales tax difference between locations can add up. Some people shop in lower-tax areas when possible, though the savings depend on the price difference and how far you travel. For most everyday shopping, the difference is small enough that convenience matters more than tax rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax in Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane?

Seattle's rate is 10.25 percent. Tacoma is 10.4 percent. Spokane is 8.9 percent. These rates can change if local governments adjust their taxes, so check the Department of Revenue website for the current rate in your specific city.

Do I pay sales tax on groceries?

Most groceries are exempt—fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, and other unprepared food. Prepared foods, restaurant meals, and food you eat on premises are taxed. When in doubt, check your receipt; exempt items should not show tax.

Is sales tax the same online as in stores?

The tax rate depends on where the item ships to, not where you live or where the seller is based. If it ships to a Washington address, Washington tax applies. The rate is the same whether you buy online or in a physical store in that location.

Can I get a refund of sales tax I already paid?

No. Sales tax is final once you pay it. You cannot recover it unless the item is returned and you get a refund of the full purchase price, including tax. Some states offer sales tax refunds to visitors, but Washington does not.

Does Washington tax services like haircuts or car repairs?

Most services are not taxed in Washington. You do not pay sales tax on labor for repairs, haircuts, or professional services. However, any parts or products used in that service are taxed. A car repair charges tax on the parts but not the mechanic's time.