Washington's statewide sales tax is 6.5 percent, but your actual rate depends on local taxes added on top

Washington State charges a base sales tax of 6.5 percent on most goods and services. However, cities and counties add their own local sales taxes on top of that state rate. Your total sales tax can range from 6.5 percent to over 10 percent depending on where you live or shop. The rate you see at checkout is the combined state and local tax for that specific location.

Sales tax in Washington applies to tangible goods — things you can touch and take home. It also applies to some services, though fewer than in other states. Food you buy at a grocery store to cook at home is not taxed, but prepared food from a restaurant or deli counter is taxed. This distinction matters when you are shopping.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington's state sales tax is 6.5 percent, but local taxes add another 0 to 4 percent depending on your city and county.
  • Groceries for home cooking are not taxed, but restaurant meals, prepared deli food, and hot food are all subject to sales tax.
  • You can find your exact local rate by entering your address on the Washington Department of Revenue website or asking a cashier.
  • Some items like prescription medications and medical equipment are exempt from sales tax under state law.

How local taxes stack on top of the state rate

Washington allows cities and counties to set their own local sales tax rates. A city might add 1 percent, and the county might add another 0.5 percent. When you buy something in that city, you pay 6.5 percent (state) plus 1 percent (city) plus 0.5 percent (county) for a total of 8 percent. The exact combination depends on which taxing districts cover your location.

Some areas have higher local rates than others. Seattle, for example, has a combined rate higher than a small town in rural Washington. If you shop near a city border, the rate can change depending on which side of the line the store is on. The store's location determines the tax rate, not where you live.

What is and is not taxed in Washington

Groceries — fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, and other food you cook at home — are not subject to sales tax in Washington. This is true statewide. However, the moment that food is prepared for when ready consumption, it becomes taxable. A rotisserie chicken from the grocery store deli is taxed. A sandwich from the deli counter is taxed. Soda and candy are taxed because they are not considered food staples.

Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax. Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and cold medicine are also exempt. Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, canes, and diabetic supplies are not taxed. Clothing and footwear are taxed in Washington, unlike some other states.

Services are generally not taxed in Washington, with some exceptions. Haircuts, car repairs, and plumbing work are not subject to sales tax. However, certain services related to digital goods — like streaming subscriptions and software — may be taxed depending on the specific service.

Finding your exact local sales tax rate

The Washington Department of Revenue maintains a sales tax rate lookup tool on its website. You can enter your street address, city, or ZIP code and see the exact combined rate for that location. This tool is updated regularly as cities and counties change their rates.

If you do not have internet access, you can call the Department of Revenue or ask a cashier at any store in your area. They can tell you the rate that applies to purchases made at that location. Rates can change, so if you have not checked in a while, it is worth verifying the current number.

When sales tax rates change

Local governments can vote to increase or decrease their sales tax rates. When this happens, the new rate takes effect on a specific date set by the city or county. The Department of Revenue publishes a calendar of rate changes so businesses and residents know when adjustments occur.

Rate changes are not automatic or frequent. Most cities and counties keep their rates stable for years. When a change does happen, it is usually announced in advance so people have time to adjust. Checking the Department of Revenue website before making a large purchase can confirm whether a rate change is coming.

Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases

If you buy something online from a Washington retailer, you pay Washington sales tax based on the address where the item is being shipped. If you order from an out-of-state retailer and have it shipped to Washington, you may owe Washington sales tax depending on the retailer's policies and the type of item. Large online retailers typically collect and remit sales tax on orders shipped to Washington.

If you buy something in another state and bring it home to Washington, you do not owe sales tax at the time of purchase. Washington does not have a use tax that applies to personal purchases brought into the state, though businesses that buy items out of state for resale may have different rules.

Special sales tax situations

Some purchases are subject to additional taxes beyond the standard sales tax. Gasoline has an excise tax on top of sales tax. Alcohol and tobacco products have their own excise taxes. These are separate from and in addition to the sales tax you see on the receipt.

Certain items may may have access to for a sales tax exemption if they are used for specific purposes. For example, equipment used in manufacturing or agriculture may be exempt. Nonprofit organizations may be exempt from sales tax on certain purchases. If you think a purchase might may have access to for an exemption, contact the Department of Revenue or ask the retailer before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a sales tax on groceries in Washington?

No. Fresh groceries you buy to cook at home — produce, meat, dairy, bread, and similar items — are not taxed. However, prepared foods like deli items, hot foods, and restaurant meals are taxed. Candy and soda are also taxed because they are not considered food staples.

What is the highest sales tax rate in Washington?

The highest combined rates are in certain cities and counties where local taxes stack on top of the 6.5 percent state rate. Some areas exceed 10 percent total, but the exact highest rate changes as local governments adjust their rates. Check the Department of Revenue website for your specific location.

Do I pay sales tax on services like haircuts or car repairs?

No. Most services in Washington are not subject to sales tax. Haircuts, car repairs, plumbing, and similar work are not taxed. However, some digital services and subscriptions may be taxed depending on what they are.

How do I know what rate applies to my purchase?

The sales tax rate depends on where the store is located, not where you live. Use the Washington Department of Revenue's rate lookup tool online, call their office, or ask the cashier. Rates vary by city and county, so it is worth checking if you are shopping in an unfamiliar area.

Do I owe sales tax on items I buy online from out-of-state sellers?

It depends on the seller. Large online retailers typically collect Washington sales tax on orders shipped to Washington addresses. Smaller sellers may not. If tax was not collected at checkout, you may owe it, though enforcement for individual purchases is rare. Check the retailer's tax policy before buying.