How Washington Sales Tax Works
Washington's state government imposes a 6.50% sales tax on most retail purchases. Counties, cities, and special districts can layer additional local sales tax on top — pushing combined rates to a population-weighted average of 9.40% statewide.
Washington has no income tax, so sales tax is the dominant state revenue source — combined rates in Seattle (10.35%) and Tacoma (10.3%) are among the highest in the country.
Groceries in Washington
Washington exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax.
How Washington Compares to Neighboring States
Sales tax on a $1,000.00 purchase in Washington versus neighboring states, using each state's average combined rate (state + local):
| State | State Rate | Combined Rate | Tax on $1,000 | vs. Washington |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington (here) | 6.50% | 9.40% | $94.00 | — |
| Oregon | None | None | $0.00 | -$94.00 |
| Idaho | 6.00% | 6.03% | $60.30 | -$33.70 |
A negative "vs." figure means a lower sales tax bill on the same purchase. Specific addresses can vary materially from the state-wide average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Washington sales tax rate for 2026?
Washington's state sales tax rate is 6.50% for 2026. When combined with the average local sales tax of 2.90%, most Washington residents pay a typical combined rate of 9.40%.
How much sales tax will I pay on a $100 purchase in Washington?
On a $100 purchase, expect approximately $6.50 in state sales tax, or about $9.40 including average local sales tax (combined 9.40%). Total cost: roughly $109.40.
Are groceries taxed in Washington?
Washington exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax.
Is sales tax calculated before or after discounts in Washington?
Washington follows the standard rule used by virtually all states: sales tax is calculated on the final discounted price, not the original price. If a $200 item is on sale for $150, you pay sales tax on $150. Manufacturer coupons can be treated differently in some states.
How is this Washington sales tax estimate calculated?
The calculator applies Washington's 6.50% state sales tax rate plus whatever local rate you enter (city + county + special districts). The default Local Rate is 0%; click a city in the table above to fill in its local portion, or look up your specific address with Washington's Department of Revenue tool.