Washington's Sales Tax Rate
Washington State has a base sales tax rate of 6.5 percent, but the actual rate you pay depends on where you live. Most counties and cities add their own local sales tax on top of the state rate, so your total can range from 6.5 percent to over 10 percent depending on your location. The state does not have an income tax, which is why sales tax is the primary way Washington funds schools, roads, and public services.
When you buy something at a store or online, the sales tax is calculated on the purchase price at checkout. The retailer collects the tax and sends it to the state and local governments. You will see the total amount due including tax on your receipt.
Key Takeaways
- Washington's state sales tax is 6.5 percent, but your actual rate is higher because cities and counties add local taxes on top.
- Total sales tax rates in Washington range from 6.5 percent to over 10 percent depending on your city and county.
- You can find your exact local rate by entering your address on the Washington Department of Revenue website or asking a local retailer.
- Some items like groceries, prescription medications, and medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Washington.
- Online purchases are subject to the same sales tax as in-store purchases based on where the item is shipped.
How Local Sales Tax Works in Washington
On top of the 6.5 percent state rate, your city or town may charge between 0.5 and 3.9 percent in local sales tax, and your county may add another portion. For example, if you live in Seattle, you pay 6.5 percent state tax plus 3.6 percent local tax for a total of 10.1 percent. In Spokane, the combined rate is 8.9 percent. A small town in a rural county might have a total rate of 7.5 percent.
The local rates are set by city and county governments to fund schools, public safety, transportation, and other services. These rates change occasionally when local governments vote to adjust them, so your rate may shift if you move to a different area or if your city updates its rate.
You can find your exact combined rate by visiting the Washington Department of Revenue website and entering your address, or by calling your city or county tax assessor's office. Many retailers also display the local rate at checkout or on their website.
What Items Are Exempt From Sales Tax
Washington exempts certain items from sales tax to reduce the burden on essential purchases. Groceries — including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and bread — are not taxed. This exemption covers food you prepare at home but does not include prepared foods, restaurant meals, or items like candy and soda.
Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax when filled by a licensed pharmacist. Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and cold medicine are taxed. Medical equipment and devices prescribed by a doctor — such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and diabetic supplies — are also exempt.
Clothing and footwear are taxed in Washington, unlike some other states. Used items sold secondhand are taxed the same as new items. If you are unsure whether a specific purchase is taxed, ask the retailer or contact the Department of Revenue.
Sales Tax on Online and Out-of-State Purchases
When you order something online and have it shipped to a Washington address, you owe sales tax based on your local rate in Washington. This applies whether you buy from a Washington company, an out-of-state retailer, or a marketplace like Amazon. The retailer is responsible for collecting and sending the tax to Washington, though some smaller sellers may not yet be set up to do this.
If you order something from out of state and pick it up in another state, you do not owe Washington sales tax on that purchase. However, if you bring the item into Washington later, you do not pay sales tax retroactively — the tax is owed at the point of sale, not when you cross the state line.
Some online retailers display the tax amount before you complete your purchase, while others add it at checkout. The final amount on your receipt should show the sales tax charged based on your shipping address.
How to Find Your Exact Local Sales Tax Rate
The fastest way to find your rate is to visit the Washington Department of Revenue's sales tax rate lookup tool on their website. Enter your street address, city, and ZIP code, and the tool will show you the exact combined state and local rate for your location.
You can also call your city or county assessor's office and ask for the current sales tax rate. If you are shopping at a store, the cashier can tell you the rate, or you can check your receipt from a previous purchase to see what was charged.
Keep in mind that rates can change when local governments vote to adjust them, so if you have not checked in a while, it is worth looking up your current rate. Rates are most commonly updated at the beginning of a calendar year or fiscal year.
Why Washington Has No Income Tax
Washington is one of nine states with no personal income tax. Instead, the state relies on sales tax, property tax, and business taxes to fund government services. This means Washington residents do not file a state income tax return, and employers do not withhold state income tax from paychecks.
Because of this structure, sales tax is higher in Washington than in states that have both income tax and sales tax. The trade-off is that residents keep more of their paycheck, but they pay more when they spend money. People who spend heavily on taxable goods pay more overall, while those who save a large portion of their income pay less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sales tax included in the price shown on store shelves?
No. The price on the shelf or tag does not include sales tax. The tax is added at checkout, so your final bill will be higher than the marked price. This is why it is important to know your local rate when budgeting for purchases.
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Washington?
Fresh groceries like produce, meat, dairy, and bread are not taxed. However, prepared foods, restaurant meals, candy, soda, and hot foods are taxed. If you are unsure whether a specific food item is taxed, ask the cashier or check your receipt.
What is the sales tax on used items?
Used items are taxed at the same rate as new items in Washington. Whether you buy a used car, used clothing, or a used appliance, sales tax applies based on the purchase price and your local rate.
Do I owe sales tax on items I buy online from other states?
If the item is shipped to a Washington address, you owe Washington sales tax based on your local rate. The online retailer should collect and send this tax to the state. If you pick up an item in another state and bring it home, you do not owe Washington sales tax on that purchase.
Can I get a refund of sales tax I paid?
Sales tax refunds are rare and only available in specific situations, such as when a retailer overcharges you or when you return an item. If you believe you were charged incorrectly, contact the retailer first. For other questions about refunds, contact the Washington Department of Revenue.