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Washington Sales Tax Calculator

Combined state + local average: 9.38% (6.50% state + 2.88% avg local)

Calculator Inputs

Choose which value you enter; the calculator derives the rest.

Rate auto-fills with the state + average local combined rate.

Calculates the sales tax and total

Applied rate: 9.38%
= State 6.50% + Avg local 2.88%

Sales Tax

$9.38

Total $109.38

Breakdown

Pre-tax amount$100.00
Sales tax (9.38%)$9.38
Total$109.38
Quick facts
β€’ The US has no federal VAT β€” sales tax is state + local only.
β€’ 5 states have no statewide sales tax: Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Delaware, Alaska.
β€’ City and county rates add to the state rate; combined rates above use state averages.
* Combined rates source: Tax Foundation, January 2025. Your actual rate may differ at the city/county level.
* This calculator is for estimation only β€” verify with the state Department of Revenue for filing.

Quick reference β€” current state rate Γ— common amounts

Pre-taxTax (9.38%)Total
$10.00$0.94$10.94
$25.00$2.34$27.34
$50.00$4.69$54.69
$100.00$9.38$109.38
$250.00$23.45$273.45
$500.00$46.90$546.90
$1,000.00$93.80$1,093.80
$5,000.00$469.00$5,469.00

Washington sales tax in context

Washington's state rate is 6.50% and local additions average 2.88%, putting the combined average at 9.38% β€” among the highest in the country. Seattle hits 10.35%, Tacoma 10.30%. Washington has no state income tax, so sales tax carries a larger share of state revenue than in most states. Note that Oregon, immediately south, has 0% sales tax β€” driving a long tradition of Vancouver-WA residents shopping across the river.

Washington-specific FAQs

Q. Why does Seattle have 10.35% sales tax?

Seattle stacks the 6.5% state rate with King County and city of Seattle additions plus a Regional Transit Authority (RTA) tax. The combined rate as of 2025 is 10.35%, one of the highest big-city rates in the US.

Q. Is groceries exempt from Washington sales tax?

Yes β€” most unprepared groceries are exempt from Washington sales tax. Prepared food, soft drinks, dietary supplements, and restaurant meals are taxable. Bottled water exemption was repealed in 2017.

Q. Should I buy big-ticket items in Oregon to avoid Washington sales tax?

It used to be straightforward β€” Oregon has no sales tax β€” but Washington repealed the non-resident sales tax exemption in 2019. Oregon residents now pay WA sales tax at the register, and must apply for a refund later for purchases over $25 (limited categories). Many vehicles and large appliances are exempt from refund eligibility.

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Combined rate data: Tax Foundation, January 2025.