Washington's statewide sales tax is 6.5 percent

Washington charges a 6.5 percent state sales tax on most retail purchases. This is the base rate that applies everywhere in the state. However, your total sales tax bill is usually higher because cities and counties add their own local taxes on top of the state rate.

When you buy something in Washington, you pay state tax plus local tax combined. A purchase in Seattle, for example, is taxed at 10.25 percent total — the 6.5 percent state rate plus 3.75 percent in local taxes. In Spokane, the combined rate is 8.9 percent. The exact amount you pay depends on where you are shopping, not where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington's state sales tax rate is 6.5 percent, but you also pay local taxes that vary by city and county.
  • Combined sales tax rates range from around 8.1 percent to over 11 percent depending on your location.
  • Sales tax applies to most goods but not to groceries, prescription medications, or most services.
  • You can find your exact local rate by entering your address on the Washington Department of Revenue website or asking a retailer.

How local taxes add to the state rate

Washington allows cities and counties to collect their own sales taxes in addition to the state tax. Most cities charge between 0.5 and 3.75 percent extra. Most counties add another 0.5 to 1.5 percent. These local taxes fund schools, transit systems, and other services in your area.

The combined rate is what you actually pay at checkout. If you live in a city with a high local rate and a county with a high county rate, your total can exceed 11 percent. Rural areas with lower local taxes may have combined rates closer to 8 percent. There is no single "Washington sales tax" — the rate changes block by block in some cases.

What is and is not taxed in Washington

Sales tax in Washington applies to tangible goods — clothing, electronics, furniture, and most other items you can touch and take home. It also applies to some services, including car repairs, haircuts, and landscaping.

Several important categories are not taxed. Groceries and food for home consumption have no sales tax. Prescription medications are not taxed. Most professional services — accounting, legal information, medical care — are not taxed. Gasoline is taxed, but the tax is built into the pump price and shown separately on your receipt. Services like streaming subscriptions, gym memberships, and insurance premiums are generally not subject to sales tax.

Finding your exact local rate

The Washington Department of Revenue maintains a sales tax rate lookup tool on its website. You enter your street address, city, and ZIP code, and the tool returns your exact combined state and local rate. This is the most reliable way to know what you will pay.

You can also call a local retailer or your city or county tax assessor's office. Many retailers print the combined rate on receipts. If you are buying online from a Washington business, the retailer should calculate and display the tax for your address before you complete your purchase.

Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases

Washington requires online retailers to collect sales tax on purchases shipped to Washington addresses, regardless of where the retailer is located. This applies to large national retailers like Amazon as well as smaller online stores. The tax collected is based on your delivery address, not the seller's location.

If you buy something from an out-of-state retailer that does not collect Washington sales tax, you are technically responsible for paying "use tax" — a tax on items you bring into the state or have shipped to you. In practice, use tax is rarely enforced for individual purchases. However, if you are buying in bulk or for business purposes, you may want to report it.

How sales tax differs from income tax

Washington has no state income tax on wages or salaries. This is one reason the state relies heavily on sales tax to fund schools and services. You will not see a state income tax deduction on your paycheck, but you will pay sales tax on nearly everything you buy.

This means Washington's tax system is regressive — people with lower incomes pay a higher percentage of their earnings in taxes because they spend more of their money on taxable goods. People with higher incomes spend a smaller percentage on purchases and more on investments and services, which are often not taxed.

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 full price minus any trade-in value. If you buy a $25,000 car and trade in a vehicle worth $5,000, you pay sales tax on $20,000. The combined state and local rate applies — typically 8 to 11 percent depending on where you register the vehicle.

The same rule applies to boats, RVs, and other vehicles. The tax is usually collected by the dealer at the time of sale and remitted to the state. If you buy a vehicle privately, you are responsible for paying the tax when you register it with the Department of Licensing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sales tax the same everywhere in Washington?

No. The state rate is 6.5 percent everywhere, but cities and counties add different amounts. Combined rates range from about 8.1 percent in some rural areas to over 11 percent in some cities. Your exact rate depends on your address.

Do I pay sales tax on groceries?

No. Groceries and food for home consumption are not taxed in Washington. This includes produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods. Prepared foods, restaurant meals, and food eaten on premises are taxed.

What if I buy something online from outside Washington?

If the retailer ships to your Washington address, they must collect Washington sales tax based on your location. If they do not, you owe use tax, though it is rarely enforced for small personal purchases.

Can I get a sales tax refund?

Generally no. Sales tax is final at the point of sale. If you return an item and get a refund, the retailer refunds the tax as well. If you overpay due to a retailer error, contact the store for a correction.

Do I need to pay sales tax on services?

Some services are taxed and some are not. Car repairs, haircuts, and landscaping are taxed. Medical care, legal information, and accounting are generally not. Ask the service provider if you are unsure.