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Washington sales tax Calculator

Washington State has no income tax, relying heavily on sales tax as a primary revenue source — the 6.5% state rate is among the highest in the nation, and with local additions, Seattle shoppers pay 10.25% while most of the state falls between 8.5% and 10.4%, making Washington's combined rates consistently among the top five highest in the US.

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Rates updated for May 2026

This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation. Rates last verified May 2026.

Verify rates on May 2026

How it's calculated

Price × 0.1025 = sales tax owed (Seattle / King County example)
1

Start with the purchase price: $20,000.00

2

Multiply by the combined tax rate to get the tax amount: $2,050.00

3

Add tax to the purchase price for the total amount due: $22,050.00

Washington sales tax rates by county

LocationCombined rate
King County (Seattle)10.25%
Pierce County (Tacoma)10.2%
Snohomish County (Everett)10.9%
Spokane County8.9%
Clark County (Vancouver)8.2%
Thurston County (Olympia)8.9%
Whatcom County (Bellingham)8.6%
Kitsap County9.1%

Common examples in Washington

Based on county rates shown above. Select your county in the calculator for a precise result.

Used car purchase

$12,000.00 purchase

$1,230.00

tax owed

New car purchase

$28,000.00 purchase

$2,870.00

tax owed

Electronics (laptop)

$1,000.00 purchase

$102.50

tax owed

Home appliance

$600.00 purchase

$61.50

tax owed

Frequently asked questions

What is the sales tax rate in Washington State?
Washington's state sales tax rate is 6.5%. Cities and counties add local rates ranging from 0.5% to 3.9%, bringing most combined rates to between 8.4% and 10.4%. Seattle (King County) has a combined rate of 10.25%, making it one of the highest-taxed major cities in the US.
What is the sales tax rate in Seattle, Washington?
Seattle has a combined sales tax rate of 10.25% — the 6.5% state rate plus 3.6% in city and county local taxes and a 0.1% Regional Transit Authority addition. Seattle consistently ranks among the highest sales tax rates of any major US city.
Does Washington State have a sales tax holiday?
No. Washington State does not have a sales tax holiday or tax-free weekend. All standard taxable purchases are subject to the full combined rate year-round.
What is exempt from sales tax in Washington State?
Washington exempts most groceries (unprepared food), prescription drugs, and certain medical devices from sales tax. Notably, Washington taxes digital goods, software, and streaming services — broader than many states. Agricultural equipment and certain manufacturing machinery are also exempt.
Do you pay sales tax on a used car in Washington State?
Yes. Washington charges the standard retail sales tax rate on used vehicle purchases based on the buyer's local rate. For Seattle residents that is 10.25%. Washington also imposes a motor vehicle excise tax based on the vehicle's value, paid annually at registration.
Why does Washington have high sales tax but no income tax?
Washington State has no personal or corporate income tax under its constitution. To fund state services, Washington relies more heavily on sales tax, business and occupation tax (B&O tax), and property tax. The high sales tax rate is a direct consequence of this revenue structure — shoppers effectively substitute for income tax payers.

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