Yes, Washington has a state sales tax of 6.5 percent
Washington charges a state sales tax of 6.5 percent on most retail purchases. This is the base rate that applies statewide. However, your total sales tax is almost always higher because counties and cities add their own local taxes on top of the state rate.
The combined rate you actually pay depends on where you make the purchase. In some areas, the total reaches 10 percent or higher. A purchase that costs $100 in one Washington city might have $8.50 in tax, while the same purchase in another city could have $10.25 in tax.
Washington is one of the few states with no income tax, which is why it relies heavily on sales tax revenue. This means sales tax is a significant part of the state budget.
Key Takeaways
- Washington's state sales tax rate is 6.5 percent, but your actual rate includes local taxes added by your county and city.
- Combined sales tax rates in Washington range from 6.5 percent to over 10 percent depending on location.
- Food for home consumption is exempt from sales tax, but prepared food and restaurant meals are taxed.
- Washington has no state income tax, so sales tax is the primary way the state funds government services.
- You can find your exact local sales tax rate by entering your address on the Washington Department of Revenue website.
How local taxes stack on top of the state rate
When you buy something in Washington, you pay the 6.5 percent state tax plus whatever local tax your city and county have set. Most counties add between 0.5 and 2 percent. Most cities add between 0.5 and 2.5 percent. Some areas add both a county and a city tax, so the layers compound.
King County (which includes Seattle) has a county rate of 0.5 percent. Seattle itself adds another 3.6 percent on top of that, bringing the total to 10.6 percent. Pierce County (which includes Tacoma) has a county rate of 0.92 percent, and Tacoma adds 2.5 percent, for a total of 9.92 percent. Spokane County adds 0.8 percent, and the city of Spokane adds 2.5 percent, totaling 9.8 percent.
The Washington Department of Revenue publishes a complete list of all local rates by city and county. You can search by address or zip code to find the exact rate where you live or shop.
What is and is not taxed in Washington
Food you buy at a grocery store to cook at home is not taxed. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, frozen dinners, and most other items you prepare yourself. However, food prepared and ready to eat is taxed. Restaurant meals, deli counter items, hot food from a grocery store, and coffee from a café all have sales tax applied.
Clothing and shoes are not taxed in Washington, with one exception: items that are primarily protective equipment (like work boots rated for safety or athletic protective gear) may be taxed depending on how they are classified. Most everyday clothes and shoes are tax-free.
Prescription medications are not taxed. Over-the-counter medicines and health products like vitamins, pain relievers, and cold medicine are taxed. Services like haircuts, repairs, and professional cleaning are generally taxed, though some services have exemptions.
Digital products like e-books, streaming subscriptions, and downloaded software are taxed. Physical books are not taxed, but the digital version of the same book is.
Why Washington relies on sales tax instead of income tax
Washington is one of nine states with no state income tax. Instead, the state funds schools, roads, courts, and other services through sales tax, property tax, and other revenue sources. This means Washington residents do not pay state income tax on wages, investments, or retirement income.
The trade-off is that sales tax is higher than in many other states. A person who spends a lot of money on taxable goods pays more in total tax than they would in a state with both income tax and lower sales tax. A person who spends less or buys mostly untaxed items (like groceries) may pay less overall.
This system affects different income groups differently. Lower-income households spend a larger share of their earnings on taxable goods, so they pay a higher percentage of their income in sales tax. Higher-income households spend a smaller share on taxable goods and save or invest more, so sales tax takes up less of their total income.
How to find 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 or zip code, and the tool returns your exact combined rate. This is the most reliable way to know what you will pay, since rates vary by block in some cities.
You can also call the Department of Revenue at 1-360-705-6705 to ask about a specific address. Local city and county tax assessor offices also have this information.
If you are a business owner, you need to know the rate for every location where you sell. The Department of Revenue publishes a complete rate table by city and county that you can read or view online.
Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases
If you order something online from a retailer that has a physical location in Washington or meets certain sales thresholds, Washington sales tax applies. This is true whether the retailer is based in Washington or another state. Most large online retailers now collect Washington sales tax on orders shipped to Washington addresses.
If you order from a small out-of-state retailer that does not collect Washington tax, you are technically responsible for paying use tax on that purchase. Use tax is the same rate as sales tax and applies to items you bring into Washington or have shipped to you. In practice, most individual consumers do not report use tax on personal purchases, though the law requires it.
Businesses are expected to track and report use tax on business purchases. The Department of Revenue can audit business records to verify use tax compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a sales tax holiday in Washington?
Washington does not have an annual sales tax holiday like some states do. However, certain items are permanently exempt from sales tax, including groceries, prescription medications, and clothing. Some local jurisdictions occasionally run temporary tax breaks for specific purposes, but these are rare and usually announced in advance.
Do I pay sales tax on used items?
Sales tax on used items depends on who is selling them. If you buy a used item from a licensed retailer or business, sales tax applies. If you buy from a private individual (like at a garage sale or through a private online sale), no sales tax is charged. The person selling is responsible for collecting tax if they are a business.
What about sales tax on services?
Most services in Washington are taxed, including haircuts, repairs, cleaning, and landscaping. However, some services are exempt, such as medical and dental services, legal services, and certain professional services. The rule depends on the specific type of service and how it is classified under state law.
Can I get a sales tax refund if I move out of Washington?
No. Sales tax is final when you make the purchase. If you buy something in Washington and then move to another state, you cannot get a refund on the tax you paid. However, you do not owe additional tax to the new state on items you already purchased and paid tax on in Washington.
How often do sales tax rates change?
Local sales tax rates can change when cities or counties pass new ordinances or adjust existing rates. Changes usually take effect on the first day of a month. The Department of Revenue updates its rate tables when changes occur. If you are a business, you should check the Department of Revenue website regularly or sign up for notifications about rate changes in your area.