Washington State Sales Tax Rate and What It Covers

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, because cities and counties add their own local taxes on top of the state rate.

When you buy something in Washington, you pay state tax plus any local taxes that explore in that specific location. A purchase in Seattle costs more in tax than the same purchase in a smaller town because Seattle adds local sales tax. The total you see on your receipt is the combined rate for your area.

Washington has no income tax, which is why the state relies on sales tax for revenue. This means sales tax is higher here than in states that tax income instead.

Key Takeaways

• Washington's state sales tax rate is 6.5 percent, but your total tax rate includes local additions that vary by city and county.
• Combined sales tax rates in Washington range from 6.5 percent to over 10 percent depending on where you shop.
• Food for home consumption is generally not taxed, but prepared food and restaurant meals are taxed at the full rate.
• You can find your exact local rate by entering your address on the Washington Department of Revenue website or asking a retailer.

How local taxes add to the state rate

Most cities and counties in Washington add their own sales tax on top of the 6.5 percent state rate. These local rates vary widely. Some areas add as little as 0.5 percent, while others add 3 percent or more. The total you pay can range from 6.5 percent in areas with no local tax to over 10 percent in high-tax cities.

King County (which includes Seattle) has a combined rate of 10.25 percent in Seattle itself, though it is lower in surrounding areas. Snohomish County ranges from 8.9 percent to 9.5 percent depending on the city. Pierce County (Tacoma area) ranges from 8.5 percent to 10.4 percent. These rates change when cities or counties vote to adjust their local tax.

The Washington Department of Revenue maintains a searchable database where you can enter your address 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.

What is and is not taxed in Washington

Food you buy to cook at home — groceries like milk, bread, vegetables, and meat — is not taxed in Washington. This applies to raw ingredients and foods you prepare yourself. However, prepared food and restaurant meals are taxed at the full rate, including fast food, deli items, and anything served hot.

Clothing and shoes are not taxed in Washington, which is unusual compared to many other states. This means you pay no sales tax on apparel purchases. However, some accessories like hats, gloves, and belts may be taxed depending on how they are classified.

Services are generally not taxed. Haircuts, car repairs, medical visits, and plumbing work do not have sales tax. However, some services bundled with products — like installation or delivery — may be taxed. Prescription medications are not taxed, but over-the-counter drugs and vitamins are taxed.

Online purchases and out-of-state orders

Online retailers are required to collect Washington sales tax on orders shipped to Washington addresses, regardless of where the retailer is located. This applies to purchases from national retailers, marketplaces like Amazon, and smaller online stores. The tax rate applied is based on your delivery address, not where the company is based.

If you order from an out-of-state retailer that does not collect Washington tax, you may owe use tax on that purchase. Use tax is Washington's way of taxing items you bring into the state or have shipped here without paying sales tax. Most people do not report use tax, but technically it is owed on taxable purchases from retailers that do not collect it. The rate is the same as sales tax for your location.

Some small retailers may not be required to collect sales tax if they fall below Washington's threshold for remote sellers. However, this threshold is low, and most online businesses do collect the tax.

Sales tax on vehicles and large purchases

When you buy a car in Washington, you pay sales tax on the purchase price. The rate is your local combined rate, not just the state rate. If you buy a $30,000 vehicle in an area with a 9 percent combined rate, you owe $2,700 in sales tax. Some dealers include this in the final price; others show it separately.

If you trade in a vehicle, the sales tax applies only to the difference between the new car's price and your trade-in value. This is called the trade-in credit. If you buy a $30,000 car and trade in a vehicle worth $10,000, you pay tax only on the $20,000 difference.

Boats, recreational vehicles, and other large purchases follow the same rule as cars. You pay sales tax based on your location at the time of purchase. If you buy a boat in one county and register it in another, the tax rate from the county where you bought it applies.

When sales tax rates change

Washington's state sales tax rate of 6.5 percent has remained the same for many years. However, local tax rates change when cities or counties vote to increase or decrease their portion. These changes are announced in advance and take effect on a specific date, usually the first of a month.

When a local rate changes, retailers update their systems before the effective date. You will see the new rate on your receipt starting on the date the change takes effect. If you are unsure whether a rate has changed in your area, check the Washington Department of Revenue website or contact your city or county.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax rate in Seattle?

Seattle's combined sales tax rate is 10.25 percent. This includes the 6.5 percent state rate plus 3.75 percent in local taxes. The rate is the same in most of Seattle proper, though it may vary slightly in unincorporated areas of King County nearby.

Do I pay sales tax on groceries?

No. Raw food items you buy to cook at home — produce, meat, dairy, bread, and pantry staples — are not taxed. However, prepared foods like rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches, and hot bar items are taxed at the full rate. The distinction is whether the food is ready to eat.

Is clothing taxed in Washington?

No. Clothing and shoes are exempt from sales tax in Washington. This includes items like shirts, pants, jackets, and socks. Some accessories may be taxed depending on how they are classified, so ask if you are unsure about a specific item.

How do I find my exact sales tax rate?

Enter your address on the Washington Department of Revenue's sales tax rate lookup tool at dor.wa.gov. You can also call your city or county assessor's office, or ask a cashier at any local retailer. Rates vary by address, so knowing your exact location matters.

Do I owe tax on items I buy online?

Most online retailers collect Washington sales tax automatically based on your delivery address. If a retailer does not collect tax, you technically owe use tax on that purchase at the same rate as sales tax. However, use tax is rarely enforced for individual purchases.