Washington's statewide sales tax is 6.5 percent, but your actual rate depends on local taxes added by your county or city
Washington has no state income tax, but it funds schools and services through sales tax instead. The base rate of 6.5 percent applies everywhere in the state. However, most counties and cities add their own local sales tax on top of that, which means the total you pay at checkout ranges from 6.5 percent to over 10 percent depending on where you shop.
The rate you see on your receipt is the combined state and local tax for that specific location. If you buy something in Seattle, you pay a different total rate than you would in Spokane or a small town in Snohomish County, even though the state portion stays the same.
Key Takeaways
- Washington's state sales tax rate is 6.5 percent, and it applies to most goods and some services.
- Your total sales tax rate includes local taxes added by your county or city, making the final rate vary by location.
- Food for home consumption, prescription medications, and certain medical equipment are exempt from sales tax.
- You can find your exact local rate by entering your address on the Washington Department of Revenue website or asking a cashier.
How local taxes stack on top of the state rate
Washington counties and cities set their own local sales tax rates within limits set by state law. A county might add 0.5 percent, and then a city within that county might add another 0.5 to 1.5 percent. These stack together, so a customer in one neighborhood pays more than a customer three blocks away in a different city.
The highest combined rates in Washington are around 10.25 percent, found in places like Bremerton and parts of King County. The lowest combined rate is 6.5 percent in areas with no local tax. Most shoppers fall somewhere in between, typically paying 8 to 9 percent total.
Local tax revenue goes to schools, public transportation, and other services that vary by area. That is why the rate is not uniform across the state.
What items are exempt from sales tax
Food for home consumption — groceries you cook at home — is not taxed. This includes produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods. However, prepared food, restaurant meals, and food eaten on premises is taxed at the full rate.
Prescription medications are exempt. Over-the-counter medicines like aspirin or cold medicine are taxed, but anything you need a prescription for is not.
Medical equipment used to treat a disability or medical condition may be exempt, depending on the specific item. Wheelchairs, hearing aids, and oxygen equipment are typically not taxed. Cosmetic items and general wellness products are taxed.
Clothing and shoes are taxed in Washington, unlike some other states. There is no clothing exemption.
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, or ZIP code, and it shows you the combined state and local rate for that location. This is the most accurate way to know what you will pay.
You can also call a local tax assessor's office or ask a cashier at a store in your area. Rates can change when cities or counties pass new tax measures, so if you have not checked in a while, it is worth looking up again.
Sales tax on services and digital goods
Washington taxes some services but not others. Haircuts, dry cleaning, and car repairs are taxed. Professional services like accounting, legal information, and medical care are generally not taxed.
Digital goods and services — software, streaming subscriptions, e-books, and digital downloads — became subject to sales tax in Washington starting in 2018. If you subscribe to a streaming service or buy software, you pay sales tax on it.
This can be confusing because the rules differ by type of service. When in doubt, ask the business whether sales tax applies to what you are buying.
How sales tax affects your budget
Because Washington relies on sales tax instead of income tax, the total tax burden falls more heavily on people who spend more of their income. Someone earning $30,000 a year and spending most of it on taxable goods pays a higher percentage of their income in tax than someone earning $100,000 who saves half of it.
Groceries are exempt, which helps offset this for lower-income households. But clothing, household goods, and services are all taxed, so the cumulative effect adds up over time.
If you are budgeting for a large purchase, remember to add the sales tax to the sticker price. A $1,000 item in an area with 8.9 percent tax will actually cost you $1,089.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Washington?
No. Food you buy at a grocery store to cook and eat at home is not taxed. This includes produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods. However, prepared foods like deli items, hot foods, and restaurant meals are taxed at the full rate.
What is the sales tax in Seattle?
Seattle's combined state and local sales tax rate is 10.25 percent. This includes the 6.5 percent state rate plus local taxes from King County and the city of Seattle. Rates in other cities in King County may differ slightly.
Do I have to pay sales tax on online purchases from Washington sellers?
Yes. Washington requires online retailers to collect and remit sales tax on orders shipped to Washington addresses, just as brick-and-mortar stores do. The rate depends on the delivery address, not where the seller is located.
Are prescription glasses and contacts taxed?
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses are taxed in Washington. However, some medical devices prescribed to treat a specific condition may be exempt. Ask your eye doctor or the retailer whether your purchase qualifies for an exemption.
Can I get a refund of sales tax I paid?
Generally, no. Sales tax is final once you pay it at checkout. However, if you return an item and receive a refund, the sales tax you paid on that item is also refunded. Some businesses may offer tax-free shopping for certain purchases under specific circumstances — ask the retailer directly.