District of Columbia Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Calculate sales tax in District of Columbia. District of Columbia has a 6% state sales tax rate and no local sales taxes. Based on current DC rates.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated October 19, 2026 · Methodology

$
%
Groceries (food for home)
Clothing

Total Tax

$6.00

Total with Tax

$106.00

Combined Rate

6.000%

Tax Breakdown

State Tax (6.00%)$6.00
Local Tax (0.00%)$0.00
Total Sales Tax$6.00
Total with Tax$106.00

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

District of Columbia Sales Tax Guide

The District of Columbia charges a general sales tax of 6%, which stays in place through September 30, 2027 (the increase to 7% that was set for October 1, 2026 has been postponed, after an earlier delay of the planned 2025 step), and because DC is a single jurisdiction rather than a state subdivided into counties, there is no extra local sales tax layered on top. That makes the rate you pay on a taxable purchase the same whether you shop in Georgetown, Dupont Circle, or Anacostia. The tax is collected at the register by the seller and remitted to the Office of Tax and Revenue, which administers the District's sales and use tax.

What's taxable matters as much as the rate. Most tangible retail goods carry the 6% charge, but groceries for home preparation and prescription drugs are exempt, which keeps the basic kitchen-and-pharmacy budget out of the tax. The District also applies higher special rates to certain categories: restaurant meals, prepared food, and alcohol for off-premise consumption are taxed above the general rate, and lodging carries its own elevated rate. When you buy from an out-of-state seller that doesn't charge DC tax, the matching use tax is owed directly to the District, so a tax-free online order isn't necessarily a tax-free purchase.

District of Columbia Sales Tax Details (2026)

State Sales Tax Rate 6%
Local Sales Taxes No
State Income Tax progressive (up to 10.75%)
Avg. Property Tax Rate 0.63%

Official Sources:

District of Columbia Sales Tax FAQ

What is the sales tax rate in DC?
The general rate is 6%, and the Office of Tax and Revenue says it stays at 6% through September 30, 2027 because the planned increase to 7% was postponed. There is no additional local sales tax because the District is a single taxing jurisdiction. That means you pay the same rate on a taxable item anywhere in the city. Some categories, such as restaurant meals, prepared food, and hotel stays, carry higher special rates set above the general figure.
Are groceries taxed in DC?
Groceries for home consumption are exempt from the District's sales tax, as are prescription drugs. Prepared and restaurant food is treated differently and taxed at a higher special rate, so a deli sandwich made to order is taxable while the same ingredients bought to cook at home are not. The exemption is meant to keep everyday food costs untaxed.
Do I owe use tax on online purchases in DC?
Yes, when a seller doesn't collect DC sales tax on a taxable item, the District expects you to pay the equivalent use tax directly. The rate mirrors the 6% sales tax, and it applies to goods you buy out of jurisdiction and bring into or use in DC. Many large online retailers now collect DC tax automatically, which settles the obligation at checkout.
Why is there no county sales tax in DC?
The District of Columbia is a federal city, not a state divided into counties, so it has no separate county or municipal sales taxes to stack on the base rate. The 6% general rate is the whole sales tax, administered citywide by the Office of Tax and Revenue. This is different from neighboring states where local add-ons push combined rates higher.

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