Washington sales tax rules
Quick answer
Washington charges a 6.5% statewide sales tax, plus local county, city and district add-ons. What gets taxed matters as much as the rate: below is how Washington treats each category that commonly changes a receipt total.
Direct answers
Each answer has its own page with the full rule and exceptions.
Is there sales tax on groceries in Washington?
No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Washington state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
Is clothing taxed in Washington?
Yes. Clothing is fully taxable in Washington at the combined state and local rate.
Is shipping taxable in Washington?
Yes. Delivery charges are part of the taxable sales price in Washington, so you charge tax on shipping whenever the item being shipped is taxable.
Do I have to charge sales tax for online sales in Washington?
Only after you cross economic nexus. Once you exceed $100,000 in sales into Washington over 12 months, you must register with the Washington State Department of Revenue and charge the buyer's destination rate.
Does Washington have a tax-free weekend?
No. Washington does not run a recurring sales tax holiday. Purchases are taxed at the normal combined rate year-round, currently 9%–10.45% across covered Washington metros.
Washington rates by city
Combined state, county, city and district rates.