Washington's sales tax is a 6.5% state tax added at checkout, plus local taxes that vary by county and city

Washington State charges 6.5% sales tax on most retail purchases. When you buy something in a store or online, this percentage is added to your bill at the register or during checkout. On top of the state rate, your county and city may add their own local sales taxes — so your total can range from 6.5% to over 10% depending on where you live.

Unlike income tax, which Washington does not have, sales tax is collected every time you make a purchase. The store or business collects it from you and sends it to the state. This means the price tag you see is not the final price you pay — you need to add the sales tax to know your true cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington State's base sales tax is 6.5%, but your actual rate depends on your city and county, which can add 0% to 3.9% more.
  • Sales tax applies to most goods like clothing, groceries, electronics, and furniture, but not to services like haircuts or car repairs.
  • Online purchases from out-of-state sellers may not have sales tax added at checkout, but you may owe use tax when you file taxes.
  • Certain items like prescription medications and some food products are exempt from sales tax in Washington.

What gets taxed and what does not

Sales tax in Washington applies to tangible goods — physical items you can touch and take home. This includes clothing, electronics, furniture, groceries, gasoline, and toys. When you buy these items in a store or online, the 6.5% state tax applies.

Services are not taxed. If you get a haircut, hire a plumber, take a yoga class, or have your car repaired, you do not pay sales tax on the labor. However, if you buy a product as part of that service — like hair dye at a salon or parts at a repair shop — the product itself may be taxed.

Some goods are exempt entirely. Prescription medications are not taxed. Most unprepared food — raw vegetables, meat, bread, milk, eggs — is not taxed. But prepared food, like restaurant meals or deli sandwiches, is taxed. Diapers and feminine hygiene products are also exempt.

Local taxes on top of the state rate

Washington's 6.5% is just the starting point. Your city and county add their own sales taxes on top. King County (which includes Seattle) adds 0.325%, and Seattle itself adds another 0.325%, bringing the total to 10.25% in some Seattle neighborhoods. Other counties range from 0% to 3.9% additional tax.

The rate you pay depends on the exact address where you make the purchase. Two stores on opposite sides of a city line may have different total tax rates. If you shop near a county border, the tax can shift by a full percentage point.

You can find your local rate on the Washington Department of Revenue website by entering your zip code or city name. The rate is also usually posted in stores or shown during online checkout.

How sales tax works when you shop online

If you buy from a Washington-based online retailer, sales tax is added at checkout just like in a physical store. The seller collects it and sends it to the state.

If you buy from an out-of-state seller — say, a company based in Oregon or California — they may not add Washington sales tax at checkout. However, Washington State law says you owe use tax on those purchases. Use tax is the same rate as sales tax, but you pay it yourself when you file your state taxes, not at the time of purchase. Most people do not report use tax, but the law technically requires it.

Large online retailers like Amazon now collect sales tax in Washington on most items, even if they are based elsewhere. Smaller sellers may not. The rule depends on whether the seller has a physical presence or meets certain sales thresholds in the state.

Who collects the tax and where it goes

The business where you make the purchase — the store, restaurant, or online seller — collects the sales tax from you. They hold it temporarily and then send it to the Washington Department of Revenue, usually monthly or quarterly depending on the business size.

The state keeps the 6.5% portion. Local taxes go to the city and county where the purchase was made. These funds pay for schools, roads, police, libraries, and other public services. Sales tax is Washington's largest source of state revenue because the state has no income tax.

Situations where you might not pay sales tax

If you have a resale certificate, you can buy goods without paying sales tax if you plan to resell them. This applies to business owners and retailers. You must provide the certificate to the seller.

If you are a Native American tribal member buying items on tribal land, different tax rules may explore depending on the tribe and the item. Tribal governments have their own tax systems.

Some nonprofits and government agencies are exempt from sales tax on certain purchases. This requires proper documentation and applies mainly to organizational purchases, not individual shoppers.

How to calculate what you will pay

To estimate your total cost, multiply the price by your local sales tax rate. If an item costs $100 and your rate is 10%, you add $10, making the total $110.

Most stores and online retailers show the tax separately at checkout, so you do not have to calculate it yourself. But knowing the rate helps you budget. If you are shopping in a new city or county, ask a cashier or check the Department of Revenue website for the exact rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Washington have income tax?

No. Washington State has no income tax on wages or salaries. Instead, the state relies on sales tax, property tax, and business taxes for revenue. This is why sales tax rates are relatively high compared to states that have income tax.

Do I have to pay sales tax on groceries?

Most unprepared groceries — raw meat, vegetables, bread, milk, eggs, canned goods — are not taxed. But prepared food like rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches, or items from a hot bar are taxed. Alcohol and candy are also taxed.

What is use tax and do I really have to pay it?

Use tax is a tax on items you buy from out-of-state sellers who did not collect Washington sales tax. You owe it at the same rate as sales tax. Technically yes, but most individuals do not report it. The state does not actively pursue individual use tax claims unless you are audited.

Can I return something and get the sales tax back?

When you return an item and get a refund, the sales tax is refunded along with the purchase price. If you paid $110 for a $100 item with $10 tax and return it, you get all $110 back.

How do I find out what my exact local sales tax rate is?

Visit the Washington Department of Revenue website and use their sales tax rate lookup tool. Enter your zip code or city name, and it will show your state and local combined rate. Rates can vary by neighborhood, so the tool is the most accurate source.