Washington Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Calculate sales tax in Washington. Washington has a 6.5% state sales tax rate; local taxes bring the average combined rate to 9.57%. Based on current WA rates.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated October 19, 2026 · Methodology

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%
Groceries (food for home)
Clothing

Total Tax

$9.57

Total with Tax

$109.57

Combined Rate

9.570%

Tax Breakdown

State Tax (6.50%)$6.50
Local Tax (3.07%)$3.07
Total Sales Tax$9.57
Total with Tax$109.57

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.

Washington Sales Tax Guide

The Washington state sales tax is 6.5%, charged on most retail goods and a range of services and collected by sellers for the Department of Revenue. Because the state forgoes an income tax, this rate does a lot of the fiscal heavy lifting, and it's only the floor: cities and counties layer their own portions on top, with local additions reaching up to 3.1% and pushing the combined rate past 10% in some jurisdictions. The number you see on a receipt is almost always higher than the bare 6.5%.

Necessities are deliberately carved out of the base. Unprepared grocery food is exempt, so produce, raw meat, dairy, and bread ring up untaxed, and prescription drugs along with many prescribed medical devices are exempt as well. Prepared meals, restaurant food, soft drinks, and most tangible goods stay taxable. When you buy from an out-of-state or online seller that doesn't charge Washington tax, the state's use tax fills the gap at the same combined rate, so the obligation simply follows the item across the border instead of vanishing.

Washington Sales Tax Details (2026)

State Sales Tax Rate 6.5%
Local Sales Taxes Yes, 3.07% on average
Average Combined Rate 9.57% (Tax Foundation, midyear 2026)
Local Tax Note Local sales taxes up to about 4.2% apply on top of the state rate, bringing combined rates to about 10.7% in the highest-tax cities.
State Income Tax None
Avg. Property Tax Rate 0.74%

Official Sources:

Washington Sales Tax FAQ

What is the combined sales tax rate I actually pay in Washington?
The state portion is a flat 6.5%, but local city and county add-ons of up to about 4.2% sit on top, so the combined rate at a register varies by location and reaches about 10.7% in the highest-tax cities. The exact figure depends on the taxing district where the sale occurs, which is why two stores in different cities can show different totals. The Department of Revenue publishes the rate for each address.
Which everyday purchases are exempt from Washington sales tax?
Unprepared grocery food is exempt, covering staples like fruit, vegetables, raw meat, milk, and bread, and prescription drugs plus many prescribed medical items are also untaxed. The exemption generally tracks the line between raw ingredients and ready-to-eat food, so a rotisserie chicken or a soda is taxable while the uncooked equivalents are not. Over-the-counter products usually remain taxable.
When do I owe Washington use tax instead of sales tax?
Use tax applies when you bring a taxable item into Washington and no Washington sales tax was collected, which commonly happens with some online orders, out-of-state purchases, or goods bought while traveling. It's charged at the same combined rate the sale would have carried at home, keeping out-of-state sellers from undercutting local ones. The Department of Revenue provides a way to report and pay what's due.
Does Washington's high sales tax matter more without an income tax?
It does, because the 6.5% state rate plus local add-ons carries a larger share of the budget than in states that also tax income. For households that spend heavily on taxable goods, the consumption tax is the dominant state cost, while those who spend modestly or buy mostly exempt groceries feel it less. The trade-off shifts the burden from what you earn to what you buy.

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