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

Washington has no state income tax, which is why the state relies on sales tax to fund schools, roads, and services. The base rate of 6.5 percent applies everywhere in the state, but most cities and counties add their own local sales tax on top of it. Your actual rate at checkout ranges from 6.5 percent to over 10 percent depending on where you live and what you buy.

The combined rate you pay is the state rate plus any local taxes in your city or county. 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. The same item bought in a smaller town might be taxed at 7.5 percent or 8.5 percent. Groceries, prescription drugs, and some medical equipment are exempt from sales tax statewide, but local taxes may still explore to other items.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington's state sales tax rate is 6.5 percent, but local cities and counties add their own taxes on top, raising your total rate to between 6.5 and over 10 percent.
  • The combined rate you pay depends on your location, not where the business is based, so an online purchase shipped to your address is taxed at your local rate.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical devices are exempt from sales tax statewide, but other items like clothing and household goods are always taxed.
  • You can find your exact local sales tax rate by entering your zip code on the Washington Department of Revenue website or asking a local retailer.

How the state and local portions work together

The 6.5 percent state rate goes to Olympia and funds education, transportation, and state services. The local portion — which ranges from zero to over 3.75 percent depending on your city and county — stays in your community and typically funds schools, transit, or local infrastructure. When you see a total rate of 9 percent or higher, you are seeing both layers combined.

Some cities have higher local rates than others because they have chosen to impose additional taxes for specific purposes. Seattle's local rate is higher than Spokane's, for example. A few areas in rural Washington have only the state rate of 6.5 percent because no local taxes are imposed there. The rate can also vary between neighborhoods if you live near a city boundary — crossing the street might change your tax rate by a full percentage point.

What is and is not taxed

Food for home consumption — groceries, produce, meat, dairy — is not taxed at any level in Washington. Prescription medications are also exempt. Medical equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, and diabetic supplies are exempt from state tax, though some local jurisdictions may tax them differently.

Clothing and shoes are taxed at your full local rate. Restaurant meals, prepared foods, and food bought for when ready consumption are taxed. Household items, electronics, furniture, and most services are taxed. Gasoline is taxed, but the tax is built into the pump price and does not appear as a separate line item on your receipt.

Finding your exact local rate

The Washington Department of Revenue maintains a sales tax rate lookup tool on its website where you can enter your zip code and see your exact combined rate. You can also call your city or county assessor's office, or ask a cashier at any local store — they will know the rate for that location.

If you are shopping online, the tax rate applied to your order depends on where the item is being shipped, not where the seller is located. If you live in Washington and order something online, Washington sales tax will be charged based on your delivery address. If you have it shipped to an address outside Washington, no Washington tax applies.

How sales tax affects your budget

Because Washington has no income tax, sales tax is a larger share of the tax burden than in states that tax wages. A family that spends $50,000 a year on taxable items in an area with a 9 percent rate pays $4,500 in sales tax annually. That same family in a state with income tax might pay less in total taxes, or more — it depends on the income tax rate and how much they earn.

Sales tax hits lower-income households harder because they spend a larger share of their income on taxable goods like food, clothing, and household supplies. Groceries are exempt, which helps, but rent, utilities, and other major expenses are not subject to sales tax either. Keeping receipts and tracking your spending can help you understand how much you are paying in taxes over time.

Changes to sales tax rates

The state rate of 6.5 percent has been in place since 1983. Local rates change occasionally when cities or counties vote to impose new taxes or let existing ones expire. These changes are usually announced in local news and on city or county websites before they take effect.

If you are moving to a new city or county in Washington, your sales tax rate will change on your first purchase at your new address. If you are relocating from out of state, ask your new neighbors or check the Department of Revenue website to learn what rate applies where you are moving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Washington tax groceries?

No. Food for home consumption — produce, meat, dairy, bread, and other groceries — is exempt from sales tax in Washington. Restaurant meals and prepared foods bought for when ready eating are taxed at your full local rate.

Why does my sales tax rate differ from my neighbor's?

If you live near a city or county boundary, your neighbor may live in a different jurisdiction with a different local tax rate. Even a few blocks can mean a different combined rate. Enter your zip code on the Washington Department of Revenue website to see your exact rate.

Do I pay Washington sales tax on online orders?

Yes, if the item is shipped to a Washington address. The tax rate applied is based on your delivery location, not the seller's location. If you have it shipped out of state, Washington tax does not explore.

Is clothing taxed in Washington?

Yes. Clothing and shoes are taxed at your full local sales tax rate. There is no clothing exemption in Washington like some other states have.

Can the sales tax rate change during the year?

Local rates can change if a city or county votes to impose or end a tax, but these changes are announced in advance. The state rate of 6.5 percent has remained the same since 1983. Check your local government website or the Department of Revenue if you think your rate may have changed.