Washington Sales Tax Calculator 2026: 6.5% + Local Rates

Washington Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Washington has no income tax, so it leans on sales tax: a 6.5% state rate plus city, county and transit taxes averaging 3.07%, for an average combined rate of 9.57%, among the highest in the US. In the Seattle area combined rates top 10%. Groceries and prescription drugs are exempt, and since October 2025 the tax also covers many services. Sales are taxed at the delivery address, so use the state's lookup for the exact local rate and type it below.

By AwaisLast reviewed October 28, 2026

Washington sales tax at a glance

Washington sales tax rules
Type of tax	Sales and use tax
State rate	6.5%
Local rates	Average 3.07%, highest 4.20%
Average combined rate	9.57%
Groceries	ExemptFood and food ingredients are exempt from state and local tax. Prepared food, soft drinks, candy and dietary supplements are taxable.
Prescription drugs	ExemptPrescription drugs for human use are exempt from Washington sales tax.
Clothing	Taxed (no tax holiday)Clothing is taxed at the full combined rate, and Washington has no sales tax holiday.

Local averages are population-weighted figures from the Tax Foundation: State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (rates as of 1 July 2026). They are a guide, not the rate at any one address. For the exact rate where you buy, use the Washington DOR Tax Rate Lookup Tool.

Worked examples

A $2,000 sofa delivered at the average rate (9.57%)

A $2,000 sofa delivered at the average rate (9.57%)
Rate	6.5% state + 3.07% local = 9.57%
Price before tax	$2,000.00
Sales tax	$191.40
Total	$2,191.40

Working: $2,000.00 × 9.57% = $191.40. Delivered items are taxed at the rate for the delivery address. Near Seattle the local rate is higher than the 3.07% average, so the tax is higher too.

Working back from a $164.20 total at the 4.2% top local rate

Working back from a $164.20 total at the 4.2% top local rate
Rate	6.5% state + 4.2% local = 10.7%
Price before tax	$148.33
Sales tax	$15.87
Total	$164.20

Working back: $164.20 ÷ 1.107 = $148.33, so the tax was $15.87. At the highest combined rate of 10.7%, dividing by 1.107 gives the pre-tax price. Check the lookup tool, because most addresses are lower.

Local rates and destination sourcing

Washington cities, counties, regional transit authorities and public facility districts can each levy local sales tax. Local rates reach 4.2%, so combined rates in the Puget Sound area pass 10%, while some rural places are closer to 8%. Washington uses destination sourcing: an item delivered to a customer is taxed at the rate where it is delivered, not where the store is. The Department of Revenue's Tax Rate Lookup Tool and its mobile app return the rate and location code for any address.

Services taxed since October 2025

A 2025 law (ESSB 5814) extended retail sales tax to a list of services from 1 October 2025, including advertising services, IT services, custom website development, custom software, live presentations, investigation and security services, and temporary staffing. Some exclusions were added from 1 July 2026, for example for schools and libraries and for temporary staff provided to hospitals. Businesses buying these services should check the Department of Revenue's guidance, because the rules are new and still being refined.

Buying in Oregon or Idaho

Many Washington residents shop across the border in Oregon, which has no sales tax. Washington still expects use tax at your local rate on items brought back for use in Washington, and vehicles are taxed when they are registered. Nonresidents from states with a low or no sales tax can get some purchases exempt with the right paperwork, but most shoppers pay the full combined rate.

Washington vs. neighboring states

Washington sales tax compared with neighboring states
State	State rate	Avg. combined	Groceries
Washington	6.5%	9.57%	Exempt
Oregon	0%	0.00%	No sales tax
Idaho	6%	6.03%	Taxed (income tax credit)

Average combined rates are from the Tax Foundation, midyear 2026 report. See sales tax rates for every state for the full table.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Washington sales tax so high?

Washington has no personal income tax on wages, so sales tax is its largest revenue source. The 6.5% state rate plus local rates of up to 4.2% puts the average combined rate near 9.6%.

Are groceries taxed in Washington state?

No. Food and food ingredients are exempt from state and local sales tax. Prepared food, soft drinks, candy and dietary supplements are taxable at the full rate.

Which services became taxable in Washington in 2025?

From 1 October 2025, ESSB 5814 made advertising, IT services, custom software and website development, live presentations, security services and temporary staffing subject to retail sales tax, with some later exclusions.

Do I owe Washington tax on items bought in Oregon?

Yes, in principle. Washington residents owe use tax at their local rate on goods bought tax-free elsewhere and used in Washington, and vehicles are taxed when registered.

What is the sales tax rate in Washington in 2026?

The statewide rate is 6.5%. Local taxes add 3.07% on average and up to 4.20%, so the average combined rate is 9.57% (Tax Foundation, rates as of 1 July 2026).

How do I calculate Washington sales tax on a purchase?

Add the state and local rates, then multiply the price by that rate as a decimal. At 9.57% (the state rate plus the average local rate), tax on $100 is 100 × 0.0957 = $9.57, for a total of $109.57. To go back from a receipt total, divide it by 1 plus the rate.