Washington's statewide sales tax is 6.5 percent

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

The total you pay depends on where you shop. A purchase in Seattle will have a different tax rate than the same purchase in Spokane or a small town in rural Washington. Your receipt shows the combined rate, but understanding how the state and local portions work helps you see where the money goes.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington State's base sales tax is 6.5 percent, but local taxes add 0.5 to 3.9 percent depending on your city or county.
  • Total sales tax rates in Washington range from 7 percent to 10.4 percent depending on location.
  • Food for home cooking is not taxed, but prepared food, candy, and soft drinks are taxed at the full rate.
  • Online purchases from out-of-state sellers are subject to Washington sales tax if the seller has a physical presence in the state.

How local taxes stack on top of the state rate

Cities and counties in Washington add their own sales tax on top of the 6.5 percent state rate. These local rates vary widely. Some areas add as little as 0.5 percent, while others add up to 3.9 percent. The combined total—state plus local—is what you actually pay at the register.

Seattle, for example, has a combined rate of 10.25 percent (6.5 percent state plus 3.75 percent local). Tacoma's combined rate is 10.4 percent. Smaller cities and rural areas often have lower combined rates, sometimes as low as 7 percent or 7.5 percent. The difference between shopping in one city versus a neighboring one can add up if you make large purchases.

You can find your exact local rate by entering your address on the Washington Department of Revenue website, or by checking your city or county's tax information page. Many retailers also display the combined rate at checkout before you pay.

What is and is not taxed in Washington

Washington taxes most items you buy in stores, but there are important exceptions. Groceries—food you cook at home—are not taxed. This includes meat, produce, dairy, bread, and canned goods. The rule is straightforward: if it's a raw ingredient or prepared food you take home to eat, it's usually not taxed.

Prepared food is taxed. This includes restaurant meals, deli items, hot food from a grocery store, candy, and soft drinks. If someone prepared it for you to eat right away, or if it's a snack item like candy or soda, you pay tax on it. Alcohol is also taxed at the full sales tax rate.

Clothing and shoes are not taxed in Washington, which is one of the few states with this rule. Medicine and medical devices are also exempt. Prescription drugs are not taxed, but over-the-counter medications are taxed at the full rate.

Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases

If you order something online from a company that has a warehouse, office, or other physical location in Washington State, you owe Washington sales tax on that purchase. This applies even if the company is based elsewhere. The seller is responsible for collecting and sending the tax to the state.

If you order from a seller with no physical presence in Washington, the seller is not required to collect Washington sales tax. However, Washington residents are technically responsible for paying "use tax" on those purchases themselves—though most people do not. Use tax is owed to the state but is rarely enforced for individual purchases.

The key is whether the seller has nexus in Washington—meaning a physical or economic presence in the state. Large online retailers like Amazon have warehouses in Washington, so they collect tax. Smaller sellers without a Washington presence typically do not.

How sales tax is different from income tax

Washington has no state income tax, which is why sales tax is the main way the state funds schools, roads, and services. This makes Washington's sales tax rate higher than many other states. You do not pay income tax on your wages or investments, but you pay sales tax on nearly everything you buy.

This system affects your budget differently than income tax does. A person earning $50,000 per year in Washington pays no state income tax, but pays sales tax on every purchase. Someone who spends a lot of money pays more in total tax; someone who saves most of their income pays less. This is why Washington's tax system is considered regressive—it takes a larger percentage from lower-income households.

Finding your exact local sales tax rate

Your combined sales tax rate depends on your exact location—sometimes even your street address matters if you live near a city boundary. The Washington Department of Revenue has a tax rate lookup tool on its website where you can enter your address and see your precise combined rate.

You can also call your city or county tax assessor's office, or check your most recent receipt from a local store. The receipt shows the combined rate that was charged. If you shop in multiple cities or counties regularly, write down the rates for each location so you know what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington sales tax the same everywhere in the state?

No. The state rate is 6.5 percent everywhere, but cities and counties add local taxes that range from 0.5 to 3.9 percent. Your total rate depends on where you live or shop. Use the Department of Revenue lookup tool to find your exact rate.

Do I pay sales tax on groceries?

No. Raw ingredients and food you cook at home are not taxed. This includes meat, produce, bread, and canned goods. Prepared food, candy, and soft drinks are taxed at the full rate.

Why does Washington have such a high sales tax?

Washington has no state income tax, so it relies on sales tax to fund schools, roads, and public services. This makes the sales tax rate higher than in states that have both income tax and sales tax.

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

Only if the seller has a physical presence in Washington. Large retailers with warehouses in the state collect tax. Smaller sellers without a Washington location typically do not, though you may owe use tax to the state yourself.

Are clothes and shoes taxed in Washington?

No. Clothing and shoes are exempt from sales tax in Washington. This is one of the few states with this rule. Accessories like belts and hats are also not taxed.