Washington Sales Tax Rate Table
Washington statewide sales tax rate: 6.50%. Local governments in Washington may add their own sales tax on top of the state rate, so the total rate you charge depends on the address of the sale. Combined state and local rates average about 9.57%. Washington’s sales tax is administered by the Washington State Department of Revenue.
Rates reviewed August 2026. State rates reflect statutory rates in effect as of July 1, 2026. Local rates change frequently — always confirm the rate for the exact delivery address before you file.
Washington Sales Tax Rates at a Glance
| Statewide sales tax rate | 6.50% |
|---|---|
| Local sales taxes | Yes — up to 4.20% additional |
| Average local rate | 3.07% |
| Average combined rate | 9.57% |
| Administered by | Washington State Department of Revenue |
| Registration document | Washington Business License and reseller permit |
| Rate data reviewed | August 2026 |
How Local Sales Tax Works in Washington
Washington cities, counties and regional transit authorities add local sales tax to the 6.5% state rate, and the Seattle area carries one of the highest combined rates in the country. Washington also levies a separate Business and Occupation tax on gross receipts, which sits alongside the sales tax rather than replacing it.
Which Washington Rate Should You Charge?
Washington is destination-sourced. The local rates that apply are those covering the address where the buyer receives the goods, and the state publishes location codes that must be reported alongside the rate.
What Washington Taxes — and What It Doesn’t
Groceries for home consumption and prescription drugs are exempt. Prepared food, soft drinks and dietary supplements are taxable. Washington has no personal income tax, which is part of why the combined rate sits so high.
Look Up an Exact Washington Sales Tax Rate
Publishing a fixed list of every Washington city and county rate would be out of date within weeks, so we do not reproduce one here. The Department of Revenue provides an address-based tax rate lookup that returns the combined rate and the location code required on the return. Open the official Washington State Department of Revenue website at dor.wa.gov and use its rate lookup for the exact delivery address.
Registering to Collect Sales Tax in Washington
Before you can legally charge Washington sales tax you need to be registered with the Washington State Department of Revenue and hold a Washington Business License and reseller permit. Our sales tax application service files the paperwork for you. The Washington sales tax guide covers filing frequency, agency contacts and licensing.
Ready to register in Washington? Apply for your Washington sales tax permit online – it only takes a few minutes.
Washington Sales Tax Rate FAQs
What is the sales tax rate in Washington?
The Washington statewide rate is 6.50%. With local taxes added, the total rate at a given address is typically higher — the average combined rate is about 9.57% and local add-ons can reach 4.20%.
Do I need a permit before I collect sales tax in Washington?
Yes. Collecting sales tax without a valid Washington Business License and reseller permit is not permitted in Washington. Register first, then start charging tax. You can apply for your Washington sales tax permit here.
Do remote and online sellers have to collect Washington sales tax?
Generally yes, once you cross Washington’s economic nexus threshold or have a physical presence in the state. Marketplace facilitators such as Amazon and Etsy usually collect on their own sales, but sales through your own website normally remain your responsibility. See our sales tax registration overview for how nexus works.
How often do Washington sales tax rates change?
The statewide rate changes rarely — local rates change far more often, frequently on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October. Confirm the current rate with the Washington State Department of Revenue before filing a return.
Sales Tax Rates in Other States
Compare every state on our state sales and use tax rate hub, or check a neighbouring state:
- Oregon sales tax rate table
- Idaho sales tax rate table
- California sales tax rate table
- Nevada sales tax rate table
Need to check a number you already have? Use our sales tax number verification page.