What’s the Sales Tax in Washington State?

In Washington, the sales tax you pay is a combination of a statewide rate and various local taxes. This means the total tax rate varies depending on where a transaction occurs, with the rate in a major city often being different from that in a suburban or rural area. Understanding this structure is the first step to determining the correct sales tax for any purchase within the state.

State and Local Sales Tax Components

The total sales tax paid in Washington is composed of two elements: a statewide rate and various local option taxes. The foundation of the tax is the state’s 6.5% retail sales tax, which is applied uniformly to all taxable transactions across Washington.

Layered on top of the state rate are local sales taxes, which are adopted by cities, counties, and special taxing districts. These local jurisdictions have the authority to levy their own sales taxes to fund services like police and fire protection, public transportation, and infrastructure projects. For example, many urban and suburban areas are part of a Regional Transit Authority (RTA), which imposes an additional sales tax to fund mass transit projects.

The combination of the 6.5% state tax with these various local rates results in a wide range of final tax obligations for consumers. In some areas, the combined rate can exceed 10%.

Finding the Exact Sales Tax Rate for a Location

To determine the precise sales tax for a specific location, the Washington State Department of Revenue provides an official online tool. This resource is the most reliable way to find the current, combined sales tax rate for any address in the state.

Navigate to the Department of Revenue’s website and find the “Tax Rate Lookup Tool.” You can enter a complete street address to get the exact rate applicable to that location. This method is more accurate than relying on ZIP codes, as a single ZIP code can encompass areas with different local tax rates.

What Is Generally Taxable in Washington

In Washington, sales tax applies to a broad range of goods and services. The most common category is tangible personal property, which includes most physical items you can buy, such as clothing, furniture, electronics, and vehicles.

The tax also extends to digital products, such as downloaded software, music, movies, and streaming service subscriptions. The tax applies whether the product is purchased for permanent ownership or as a temporary license.

Sales tax also applies to certain services, including construction, installation, repair, and maintenance of tangible personal property. Charges for auto repair, landscaping services, and home construction are all taxable. Additionally, services like guided tours, physical fitness classes, and admissions to amusement or recreational facilities are subject to sales tax. Beginning October 1, 2025, the list of taxable services expands to include:

• IT training and support
• Custom website development
• Data processing
• Security and investigation services
• Temporary staffing services

Common Sales Tax Exemptions

While many purchases in Washington are taxable, there are several exemptions. The most significant exemption is for most grocery food items. Staple foods purchased for home consumption, such as bread, milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, are not taxed.

The grocery exemption has specific limitations. It does not apply to prepared foods, hot foods, or soft drinks, which are considered taxable. For example, a rotisserie chicken from the deli, a fountain soda, or a sandwich prepared in-store would be subject to sales tax. Dietary supplements are also taxable unless they are dispensed pursuant to a formal prescription.

Another exemption is for prescription drugs. Any medication that requires a prescription from a licensed practitioner is not subject to sales tax. This exemption also extends to certain medical supplies and devices when prescribed, such as hearing aids or corrective lenses for glasses.

Special Sales Tax Considerations

The purchase of a vehicle has specific rules depending on the seller. When you buy a vehicle from a licensed dealer, the sales tax is collected by the dealer at the rate effective at their location. If you purchase a vehicle from a private party, the sales tax rate is based on the address where you, the new owner, will register it.

Use tax is a companion to the sales tax and applies to goods purchased without paying Washington sales tax but brought into the state for use, storage, or consumption. For example, if you buy furniture in a state with no sales tax and bring it to your home in Washington, you are legally obligated to pay use tax. The use tax rate is the same as the sales tax rate at your location and must be remitted directly to the Department of Revenue. This applies to online purchases as well if the out-of-state seller does not collect Washington sales tax.