Washington has a state sales tax, and it applies to most goods you buy
Washington State charges a sales tax on retail purchases. The state rate is 6.5 percent, but the total tax you pay depends on where you shop—cities and counties add their own local taxes on top of the state rate. Your total sales tax bill can range from 6.5 percent to over 10 percent depending on your location.
Unlike some states, Washington does not have an income tax. The state relies on sales tax as a major source of revenue. This means the tax hits you at the register when you buy things, not when you earn money.
Key Takeaways
- Washington's state sales tax is 6.5 percent, but local taxes add on top of that, making your total rate between 6.5 and 10+ percent depending on your city or county.
- Sales tax applies to most physical goods, including groceries, clothing, and household items, but not to services like haircuts or car repairs.
- Some items are exempt from sales tax entirely, including prescription medications, medical equipment, and certain agricultural products.
- Online purchases from out-of-state sellers may not have Washington sales tax added at checkout, but you may owe use tax on those purchases when you file your state tax return.
How local taxes change your total rate
The 6.5 percent state rate is just the starting point. Every city and county in Washington can add its own local sales tax on top of that. A purchase in Seattle will have a different total tax than the same purchase in Spokane or a small town in rural Washington.
To find your exact local rate, search online for "Washington sales tax" plus your city name, or ask a cashier. Many retailers' websites also show the tax rate for your zip code at checkout. The difference between 6.5 percent and 10 percent may not sound like much, but on a $100 purchase it means paying $35 more in one location than another.
What items are taxed and what are not
Most physical goods are subject to sales tax in Washington. This includes clothing, electronics, furniture, groceries, and household supplies. When you buy these items at a store or online, the retailer adds sales tax to your bill.
Services are generally not taxed. A haircut, car repair, dental cleaning, or plumbing visit does not have sales tax added. However, if you buy a physical product as part of a service—like paint that a contractor applies to your house—the product itself may be taxed.
Some items are completely exempt from sales tax. Prescription medications and medical devices (like diabetic test strips or hearing aids) are not taxed. Certain agricultural products sold directly by farmers, seeds for growing food, and livestock feed are also exempt. If you are unsure whether a specific item is taxed, the Department of Revenue website has a searchable list.
Groceries and prepared food have different rules
Groceries—unprepared food you cook at home—are not subject to Washington sales tax. This means milk, bread, vegetables, meat, and canned goods do not get taxed when you buy them at a grocery store.
Prepared food is taxed. If you buy a sandwich from a deli counter, a rotisserie chicken, or food from a restaurant, sales tax applies. The line between "prepared" and "unprepared" can be confusing: a bakery item like a donut is usually taxed because it is considered prepared food, but a loaf of bread from the grocery shelf is not.
Online purchases and use tax
When you order something online from a company based outside Washington, the retailer may not add Washington sales tax at checkout. This does not mean you owe nothing—it means you may owe use tax instead.
Use tax is a tax on items you bring into Washington or have shipped to you from out of state. It is the same rate as sales tax in your location. You are supposed to report and pay use tax on your state tax return, though many people do not. Large online retailers like Amazon now collect Washington sales tax automatically, but smaller sellers may not.
If you regularly buy from out-of-state sellers and do not pay sales tax at checkout, keep records of those purchases. When you file your Washington tax return, you can report the use tax owed. The Department of Revenue provides a worksheet to help you calculate it.
Who collects and where the money goes
Retailers collect sales tax from you at the point of sale and send it to the state and local governments. The state keeps the 6.5 percent portion, and cities and counties keep their local portions. This money funds schools, roads, public safety, and other local services.
If a retailer fails to collect or send in sales tax, that is between them and the Department of Revenue—you are not responsible for their mistake. However, if you knowingly do not pay sales tax on a purchase you should have, you could face penalties if audited.
Sales tax on vehicles and major purchases
When you buy a car in Washington, sales tax applies to the purchase price. The tax is calculated on the selling price, not the manufacturer's suggested retail price. If you trade in a vehicle, the sales tax is applied to the net amount (the selling price minus your trade-in value).
Other major purchases like boats, recreational vehicles, and heavy equipment also have sales tax applied. The rate is the same as for any other purchase—your local combined state and local rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washington have income tax?
No. Washington State does not have a personal income tax. The state funds itself primarily through sales tax, business taxes, and other sources. This is why sales tax rates are relatively high compared to some other states.
What is the difference between sales tax and use tax?
Sales tax is collected by the retailer when you buy something in Washington. Use tax is what you owe on items you buy from out-of-state sellers or bring into the state yourself. Both are the same rate, but use tax is your responsibility to report and pay on your tax return.
Can I get a sales tax refund or exemption?
Most individuals cannot. However, certain organizations like nonprofits, schools, and government agencies may be exempt. If you are a business, you may be able to buy items for resale without paying sales tax if you have a resale permit. Contact the Department of Revenue to learn if your situation qualifies.
Do I pay sales tax on items I buy online from Washington companies?
Yes. If a retailer is based in Washington or has a physical presence here, they must collect sales tax on all orders, including online purchases shipped to Washington addresses. The rate is your local combined rate.
How do I find out my exact local sales tax rate?
Search online for "Washington sales tax" plus your city name, or visit the Department of Revenue website and use their tax rate lookup tool. You can also ask a cashier at any store in your area—they will know the local rate.