The Washington Sales Tax Calculator helps you quickly determine the sales tax on a purchase in any area of Washington. You can calculate sales tax by adding it to a pre-tax amount or removing it from a total amount.
Washington Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax for all areas in Washington with accurate rates including all counties and municipalities
Total Amount
Tax Amount
Pre-Tax Amount
Tax Rate
Removing Tax: Pre-Tax = Amount ÷ (1 + Tax Rate)
The Washington Sales Tax Calculator helps you quickly determine the sales tax on a purchase in any area of Washington. You can calculate sales tax by adding it to a pre-tax amount or removing it from a total amount.
When adding sales tax:
- Tax Amount = Pre-Tax Amount × Tax Rate
- Total Amount = Pre-Tax Amount + Tax Amount
When removing sales tax:
- Pre-Tax Amount = Total Amount ÷ (1 + Tax Rate)
- Tax Amount = Total Amount – Pre-Tax Amount
Washington has a state sales tax rate of 6.5%, with local jurisdictions adding additional sales tax. The combined rates vary by location from 7.0% to 10.6%, with most areas having local option taxes ranging from 0.5% to 4.1%. This calculator provides accurate calculations for all tax rates in the state.
Adding Sales Tax Example
Let’s say you want to calculate sales tax on a $1,500 product in Seattle with the standard tax rate of 10.1%:
Pre-Tax Amount = $1,500
Tax Rate = 10.1% or 0.101
Calculate the tax amount:
Tax Amount = $1,500 × 0.101 = $151.50
Calculate the total amount:
Total Amount = $1,500 + $151.50 = $1,651.50
Removing Sales Tax Example
Now, let’s say you have a total amount of $1,651.50 and want to calculate the pre-tax amount and tax in Seattle:
Total Amount = $1,651.50
Tax Rate = 10.1% or 0.101
Calculate the pre-tax amount:
Pre-Tax Amount = $1,651.50 ÷ (1 + 0.101) = $1,651.50 ÷ 1.101 = $1,500.00
Calculate the tax amount:
Tax Amount = $1,651.50 – $1,500.00 = $151.50
State Rate Only Example
Using only the state rate of 6.5%, let’s calculate tax on a $1,500 product:
Pre-Tax Amount = $1,500
Tax Rate = 6.5% or 0.065
Calculate the tax amount:
Tax Amount = $1,500 × 0.065 = $97.50
Calculate the total amount:
Total Amount = $1,500 + $97.50 = $1,597.50
Washington Sales Tax Rates (2025)
Washington has a state sales tax rate of 6.5%, with local jurisdictions adding additional sales tax. The combined rates vary by location from 7.0% to 10.6%, with most areas having local option taxes ranging from 0.5% to 4.1%.
State Rate
Local Option Rate
RTA Tax
Rate Range
Washington Sales Tax Breakdown (2025)
| Tax Component | Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State Sales and Use Tax | 6.500% | Statewide base rate |
| Local Sales and Use Tax | 0.500-4.100% | County and city taxes |
| Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Tax | 0.900-1.400% | Regional transit tax |
| Public Safety Tax | 0.100-0.300% | Public safety tax |
| Criminal Justice Tax | 0.100-0.300% | Criminal justice tax |
| Total Sales and Use Tax | 7.000-10.600% | Combined rate |
Major Washington Areas with Tax Rates
| Area | County | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | King | 10.1% |
| Bellevue | King | 10.1% |
| Tacoma | Pierce | 9.6% |
| Spokane | Spokane | 9.4% |
| Vancouver | Clark | 9.2% |
| Everett | Snohomish | 9.6% |
| Olympia | Thurston | 9.4% |
| Bremerton | Kitsap | 9.3% |
| Bellingham | Whatcom | 9.3% |
| Yakima | Yakima | 8.9% |
Washington Sales Tax Exemptions (2025)
Washington provides several exemptions from sales tax for certain types of goods and services. Some common exemptions include:
- Food and Food Ingredients: Most food items intended for human consumption are exempt from sales tax, though prepared foods and certain beverages may be taxable
- Prescription Drugs: All prescription medications are exempt from sales tax
- Over-the-Counter Drugs: Non-prescription drugs are exempt from sales tax
- Medical Equipment: Certain medical devices and supplies are exempt
- Fuel and Utilities: Residential fuel and utilities are exempt from sales tax
- Farm Equipment: Machinery and equipment used in agricultural production
- Manufacturing Equipment: Machinery and equipment used directly in manufacturing
- Religious and Charitable Organizations: Purchases by qualifying organizations
- Government Agencies: Purchases by federal, state, and local governments
- Transportation: Sales of certain transportation equipment and services
Washington Special Sales Tax Categories (2025)
Washington has several special sales tax categories with different rates:
- Prepared Foods and Restaurants: Standard sales tax rate applies
- Alcoholic Beverages: Special taxes on alcohol in addition to sales tax
- Tobacco Products: Special taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products in addition to sales tax
- Marijuana: Special excise tax on marijuana products in addition to sales tax
- Motor Vehicle Purchases: Standard sales tax rate applies, with certain trade-in allowances
- Gasoline and Diesel: Special motor fuel taxes in addition to sales tax
- Telecommunications Services: Special tax rates on certain telecommunications services
These special tax categories help fund specific state programs and services.
Recent Changes to Washington Sales Tax (2025)
As of 2025, there have been several important changes to Washington’s sales tax system:
- Remote Seller Nexus: Following economic nexus rules, out-of-state sellers with more than $100,000 in sales into the state must collect and remit Washington sales tax
- Marketplace Facilitators: Enhanced requirements for online marketplace facilitators to collect and remit sales tax
- Digital Products: Expanded taxation of digital products and services
- Streamlined Sales Tax: Continued participation in the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement
- Local Option Taxes: Changes in how local option taxes are calculated and distributed
- Exemption Certificate Modernization: Updated processes for handling exemption certificates
- Environmental Fees: New environmental fees on certain products in addition to sales tax
Understanding Washington Sales Tax
What is Washington Sales Tax?
Washington sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by the state and local jurisdictions on the sale of goods and certain services. The state rate is 6.5%, with local jurisdictions adding additional tax. Sales tax is collected by retailers at the point of sale and remitted to the Washington Department of Revenue.
Local Sales Taxes
In addition to the state sales tax, towns and cities in Washington can impose local option sales taxes. These local rates range from 0.5% to 4.1%, making the combined rate vary from 7.0% to 10.6% across the state. Some areas also have regional transit authority taxes that add an additional 0.9% to 1.4%.
Tax Collection
Sales tax in Washington is collected by sellers at the point of sale and remitted to the Washington Department of Revenue. Sellers must register with the state and obtain a sales tax permit before collecting tax. Returns are typically filed monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on the volume of sales.
Use Tax
Washington use tax applies when sales tax has not been paid on taxable items purchased outside the state for use in Washington. The use tax rate is the same as the sales tax rate that would have applied if the purchase was made within the state. This ensures that out-of-state purchases don’t have an unfair advantage over in-state purchases.
Business Registration
Businesses selling taxable goods or services in Washington must register for a sales tax permit with the Washington Department of Revenue. Registration can be done online through the department’s website. Once registered, businesses must collect sales tax on all taxable transactions and file regular returns.
Filing Requirements
Sales tax returns in Washington are typically filed monthly, but businesses with lower sales volume may file quarterly or annually. Filing is done through the Washington Department of Revenue’s online system, and payments are due by the 25th of the month following the reporting period.
Washington Sales Tax for Businesses
Nexus Requirements
Businesses must collect Washington sales tax if they have nexus in the state. Washington follows economic nexus rules, requiring out-of-state sellers with more than $100,000 in sales into the state in the previous calendar year to collect and remit Washington sales tax.
Marketplace Facilitators
Marketplace facilitators like Amazon and eBay are required to collect and remit sales tax on behalf of third-party sellers selling into Washington. This applies to marketplace facilitators that meet the economic nexus thresholds. The facilitator is responsible for collecting and remitting the tax on all sales made through their platform.
Exemption Certificates
Businesses purchasing items for resale can provide exemption certificates to sellers to avoid paying sales tax. Washington has specific forms that must be completed and provided to the seller at the time of purchase. The certificate must be updated periodically and must include specific information about the purchaser and the type of exemption being claimed.
Shipping and Handling
In Washington, shipping and handling charges are generally taxable if they are part of the sale of tangible personal property. If the charges are separately stated and related to transportation services, they may be exempt. The taxability depends on whether the charges are considered part of the sale or a separate service.
Penalties and Interest
Washington imposes penalties for late filing and late payment of sales tax. The penalty is 5% of the tax due per month, up to a maximum of 25%, plus interest at the rate determined by the Washington Department of Revenue. Failure to file or pay can result in additional penalties and legal action.
Tax Calculation Services
Given the complexity of Washington’s sales tax system with different rates in various jurisdictions, many businesses use automated tax calculation services to ensure accurate collection and remittance of sales tax. These services help businesses stay compliant with changing tax laws and rates.