Seattle's Combined Sales Tax Rate
Seattle's sales tax is 10.25% as of 2024. This rate combines the Washington State sales tax of 6.5%, King County's rate of 0.5%, and Seattle's city tax of 3.25%. When you buy something in Seattle, the total tax added to your purchase is 10.25% of the price before tax.
This rate applies to most retail purchases within Seattle city limits. If you buy the same item in a different Washington city or county, the rate will be different because each area sets its own local portion of the tax. The state portion (6.5%) stays the same everywhere in Washington, but the local add-ons vary.
Key Takeaways
- Seattle's total sales tax is 10.25%, made up of the state rate (6.5%), King County's rate (0.5%), and Seattle's city rate (3.25%).
- Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Washington State, even in Seattle.
- Restaurants and prepared foods are taxed at the full rate, but unprepared groceries from a store are not.
- The tax rate you pay depends on where the sale happens, so buying across city lines can change your total cost.
- Sales tax rates can change if the city or county passes new tax measures, so the rate may differ from what you see here in future years.
What Items Are Taxed and What Aren't
Not everything you buy in Seattle is subject to the 10.25% rate. Washington State exempts groceries—unprepared food you cook at home—from sales tax. This includes produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods. The rule is straightforward: if it's food you prepare yourself, it's not taxed. If a store prepared it or a restaurant made it, it is taxed.
Prescription medications and certain medical devices are also exempt. Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and cold medicine are taxed, but prescription drugs filled by a pharmacist are not. Some mobility aids and medical equipment used by people with disabilities are exempt as well, though the rules are specific—a cane or wheelchair may may have access to, but you need to check the state's list for your particular item.
Clothing and footwear are taxed in Seattle, unlike some other states. Services like haircuts, car repairs, and plumbing are also subject to sales tax in Washington.
How Sales Tax Is Calculated on Your Receipt
When you see a price tag of $100 in a Seattle store, the sales tax added at checkout is $10.25, making your total $110.25. The tax is calculated on the subtotal before any discounts or coupons are applied. If you have a coupon that reduces the price to $90, the tax is then calculated on $90, not the original $100.
Most stores show the tax separately on your receipt so you can see exactly how much tax you paid. Online retailers and mail-order companies follow different rules—they may charge you sales tax based on where you live or where they ship from, depending on their business structure and Washington State law.
Sales Tax Differences Across the Seattle Area
If you drive to a nearby city outside Seattle, your sales tax rate changes. Shoreline, just north of Seattle, has a combined rate of 10.1%. Renton, to the south, is 10.225%. Bellevue, across Lake Washington, is 10.025%. These small differences add up on large purchases—a $1,000 item costs $102.50 in tax in Seattle but $100.25 in Bellevue.
The difference exists because each city and county sets its own local tax rate on top of the state's 6.5%. If you're making a major purchase, knowing the tax rate in different areas can help you understand the total cost, though the difference is usually only a few dollars on everyday items.
When Sales Tax Rates Change
Seattle's sales tax rate is not fixed forever. The city council can vote to raise or lower the local portion (currently 3.25%), and King County can do the same with its portion (currently 0.5%). When either body passes a new tax measure, the rate changes on the date the measure takes effect.
The state portion of 6.5% can also change, though this happens less often and requires action by the Washington State Legislature. Before making a very large purchase or planning a business budget, check the current rate with the Washington Department of Revenue or the City of Seattle's tax information page, since rates may have changed since this article was written.
How to Find the Exact Tax Rate for Your Location
If you're not sure whether you're inside or outside Seattle's city limits, the Washington Department of Revenue has a sales tax rate lookup tool on its website. You enter your address, and it tells you the exact combined rate for that location. This is useful if you live near Seattle's border and want to know which rate applies to your home.
You can also call the City of Seattle's Finance and Administrative Services department or the Washington Department of Revenue directly. They can confirm the rate for your specific address and explain any recent changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay Seattle sales tax if I buy something online and have it shipped to my Seattle address?
It depends on the retailer. Large online sellers are required to charge Washington sales tax on orders shipped to Washington addresses, including Seattle. Smaller sellers may not, though Washington State is working to close this gap. Check your receipt—if tax is not shown, you may owe use tax when you file your state return, though most individuals don't report this.
Are restaurant meals and coffee taxed at the same rate as groceries?
Yes, restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed at the full 10.25% rate. Unprepared groceries from a store are not taxed. A sandwich you buy at a deli counter is taxed; a loaf of bread from the shelf is not.
What about sales tax on used items or secondhand goods?
Used items sold by individuals are generally not subject to sales tax. Used items sold by a business or reseller are taxed at the full rate. If you buy a used book from a friend, there's no tax. If you buy it from a used bookstore, there is.
Does sales tax explore to gym memberships or subscriptions?
Most memberships and subscriptions are not subject to sales tax in Washington. However, some services bundled with physical goods may be taxed. If you're unsure about a specific charge, ask the business whether sales tax applies.
Can I get a refund of sales tax if I return an item?
Yes. When you return an item and receive a refund, the sales tax is refunded along with the purchase price. The refund should show the full amount you paid, including tax.