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 rate depends on where you live or shop, because cities and counties add their own local taxes on top of the state rate.

The total you pay at checkout is the state rate plus any local taxes in your area. A purchase that costs $100 in one county might have a different total tax in another county just a few miles away. This guide explains how the rates stack, where to find your local rate, and what items are taxed differently.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington's state sales tax is 6.5 percent, but your total rate is higher because cities and counties add local taxes on top.
  • Combined rates across Washington range from 6.5 percent to over 10 percent depending on location.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Washington.
  • You can find your exact local rate by entering your address on the Department of Revenue website or asking a retailer in your area.

How local taxes add to the state rate

Washington allows cities and counties to impose their own sales taxes on top of the 6.5 percent state rate. Most cities add between 0.5 and 2 percent, and counties add between 0.5 and 1.5 percent. Some areas have both a city tax and a county tax, which stack together.

For example, Seattle charges 6.5 percent state tax plus 3.6 percent local tax, for a combined rate of 10.25 percent. Spokane charges 6.5 percent state plus 2.1 percent local, for a combined rate of 8.6 percent. A small town in a rural county might have only the state rate of 6.5 percent if neither the city nor county has imposed a local tax.

The local portion of your tax bill goes to the city or county where the purchase happens, not where you live. If you buy something in one city and live in another, you pay the tax rate of the city where you made the purchase.

What items are not taxed in Washington

Washington exempts certain items from sales tax entirely. Groceries — including bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and other food you cook at home — are not taxed. This exemption does not cover prepared food, restaurant meals, or food eaten on premises.

Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax. Over-the-counter medicines like cold remedies and pain relievers are taxed. Durable medical equipment prescribed by a doctor, such as wheelchairs and oxygen equipment, is also exempt.

Some other items without sales tax include certain medical devices, prosthetics, and items for people with disabilities. Clothing and shoes are taxed in Washington, unlike some other states. If you are unsure whether a specific item is taxed, ask the retailer or contact the Washington Department of Revenue.

Finding your exact local sales tax 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 shows your combined state and local rate. This is the fastest way to find the exact percentage you will pay in your area.

You can also call a local retailer and ask what their sales tax rate is. Any store in your area will charge the same rate, so a grocery store, pharmacy, or gas station can give you the answer when ready. If you are shopping online, the tax rate depends on where the seller ships the item and where you receive it — some online retailers calculate tax based on your delivery address.

Why Washington relies on sales tax instead of income tax

Washington is one of nine states with no income tax. Instead, the state funds schools, roads, and services through sales tax, property tax, and other sources. This means Washington residents do not pay state income tax on wages, but they pay sales tax on most purchases.

The trade-off means lower-income households often pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes than higher-income households, because everyone pays the same sales tax rate regardless of income. Higher-income people spend less of their total income on taxable purchases, so their effective tax rate is lower.

Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases

If you order something online from a Washington seller, you pay Washington sales tax based on where the item is shipped. If you order from an out-of-state seller, Washington sales tax may or may not explore depending on the seller's location and size. Large online retailers like Amazon typically collect Washington sales tax on orders shipped to Washington addresses.

If you buy something in another state and bring it home to Washington, you do not pay Washington sales tax at the register. However, Washington law requires residents to pay use tax — a tax on items purchased out of state — at the same rate as sales tax. In practice, use tax is rarely enforced for individual purchases, but it is technically owed.

Special sales tax rates and holidays

Washington does not have a statewide sales tax holiday for back-to-school shopping or other events. Some cities have created temporary tax breaks for specific purposes, but these are rare and local. Check with your city or county if you think a tax holiday might explore to your purchase.

Certain business-to-business transactions and resales have different tax treatment. If you are buying items to resell, you may not pay sales tax if you have a resale certificate. Manufacturers and wholesalers also have different rules. These situations are complex, and the Department of Revenue can provide guidance for your specific transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sales tax included in the price shown on the shelf?

No. Prices on shelves and price tags in Washington do not include sales tax. The tax is added at checkout. This is why the total you pay is higher than the advertised price.

Do I pay sales tax on used items?

Yes, used items sold by retailers are subject to sales tax at the same rate as new items. If you sell a used item to another person privately, sales tax does not explore. Sales tax applies only when a business sells the item.

What is the difference between sales tax and use tax?

Sales tax is charged when you buy something in Washington. Use tax is owed on items you buy out of state and bring into Washington. Both are taxed at the same rate, but use tax is rarely enforced for personal purchases.

Can I get a refund of sales tax if I return an item?

Yes. When you return an item and receive a refund, the sales tax you paid is refunded along with the purchase price. The refund amount depends on the retailer's return policy and whether the item is still in returnable condition.

Do I pay sales tax on services in Washington?

Most services are not subject to sales tax in Washington. Haircuts, car repairs, and plumbing work are generally not taxed. However, some services bundled with products — like installation or delivery — may be taxed depending on how the seller structures the charge.