The Sales Tax Rate in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. charges a 6 percent sales tax on most retail purchases. This rate applies to clothing, electronics, furniture, and most other goods you buy in stores or online for delivery to a D.C. address. The tax is added at checkout and is included in your final bill.

D.C. does not have a state sales tax because it is not a state—it is a federal district. Instead, the District government sets its own sales tax rate, which is lower than most surrounding states. Maryland charges 6 percent, and Virginia charges 5.3 percent, so D.C.'s rate falls in the middle.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington, D.C. charges 6 percent sales tax on most retail goods, clothing, and electronics.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in D.C.
  • Online purchases shipped to a D.C. address are subject to the same 6 percent tax as in-store purchases.
  • Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed at 10 percent, which is higher than the standard rate.
  • The sales tax rate in D.C. has remained at 6 percent since 1992.

What Is and Isn't Taxed in D.C.

Not everything you buy is subject to the 6 percent rate. Groceries—unprepared food you take home to cook—are not taxed. This includes produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods. However, if you buy a prepared sandwich or hot food from a grocery store deli, that purchase is taxed.

Prescription medications are also exempt from sales tax in D.C. Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and cold medicine are taxed, but anything you need a prescription to buy is not. Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, and hearing aids are generally exempt as well.

Items that are taxed include clothing and shoes at the standard 6 percent rate. D.C. does not have a clothing exemption like some states do. Books, newspapers, and magazines are taxed. Gasoline is taxed, though the tax is built into the pump price you see.

Restaurant Meals and Prepared Foods

When you eat out or buy prepared food, you pay a different rate. Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed at 10 percent, not the standard 6 percent. This applies whether you dine in, take out, or order delivery. Coffee from a café, a sandwich from a deli counter, and a rotisserie chicken from a grocery store are all taxed at 10 percent.

The distinction matters because it affects your bill. A $20 restaurant meal costs $22 after tax. A $20 grocery item costs $21.20 after tax. If you are on a budget, buying ingredients and cooking at home saves you money in taxes as well as food costs.

Online Shopping and Out-of-State Purchases

If you order something online and have it shipped to a D.C. address, you owe D.C. sales tax on that purchase. Most major retailers now collect and send this tax to the District automatically. You see it added to your order total before you check out.

If you buy something in Maryland or Virginia and bring it home to D.C., you do not owe D.C. sales tax on it. Sales tax is paid where you make the purchase, not where you live. However, if you order from an out-of-state retailer and have it shipped to D.C., the retailer is required to charge you D.C. tax.

Some older or very small online retailers may not collect D.C. tax automatically. If you notice the tax was not charged, you are technically supposed to report it on your D.C. tax return, though this is rarely enforced for individual purchases.

How Sales Tax Affects Your Budget

The 6 percent standard rate means that for every $100 you spend on taxable items, you add $6 to your bill. On a $50 purchase, you pay $3 in tax. On a $200 purchase, you pay $12. The 10 percent rate on restaurant meals works the same way—$100 in meals costs $110 after tax.

If you are budgeting for a move to D.C. or planning a shopping trip, remember that the price tag is not the final price. Always add 6 percent for retail goods and 10 percent for food. This is especially important if you are comparing prices between D.C. and nearby states, since the tax rate affects the true cost.

When the Sales Tax Rate Changed

D.C.'s current 6 percent sales tax rate has been in place since 1992. Before that, the rate was lower. The District has not raised the sales tax rate in over 30 years, even though many surrounding jurisdictions have raised theirs. This is one reason D.C.'s rate is now competitive with nearby areas.

The 10 percent rate on restaurant meals and prepared foods was introduced later and applies specifically to food service. It does not explore to groceries or items you prepare yourself at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay sales tax on clothes and shoes in D.C.?

Yes. D.C. taxes clothing and shoes at the standard 6 percent rate. Unlike some states, D.C. does not have a clothing exemption. A $50 shirt costs $53 after tax.

Is gasoline taxed in D.C.?

Yes, gasoline is taxed, but the tax is included in the price you see at the pump. You do not see it listed separately. The tax rate on fuel is the same 6 percent as other goods.

What if I buy something in Virginia and bring it to D.C.?

You do not owe D.C. sales tax on items you purchased in another state. Sales tax is paid where you buy the item, not where you live. However, if you order online and have it shipped to D.C., you owe D.C. tax on that order.

Are vitamins and supplements taxed in D.C.?

Yes. Vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medicines are taxed at 6 percent. Only prescription medications are exempt. If you need a prescription to buy it, it is not taxed. If you can buy it without a prescription, it is taxed.

Do I pay tax on a coffee I buy at a café?

Yes, at the 10 percent prepared food rate. Any beverage or food prepared for when ready consumption is taxed at 10 percent, whether you drink it there or take it with you. This includes coffee, tea, juice, and smoothies from cafés and restaurants.