Is there sales tax on groceries in Washington?
Quick answer
No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Washington state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
Food and food ingredients are exempt; prepared food, soft drinks and dietary supplements are taxable.
Rule summary
How Washington treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Exempt from state sales tax |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (9%–10.45%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: Washington State Department of Revenue · rates as published for 2026
This page summarizes the general rule. Every state writes exceptions for specific products, and local jurisdictions can differ from the state treatment. Confirm your situation with the Washington State Department of Revenue or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Washington
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Washington.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- 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 prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Washington?
- Yes. Washington treats hot, ready-to-eat and restaurant food as a taxable retail sale even where unprepared grocery food is exempt or reduced.
- Are prescription drugs taxable in Washington?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Washington.
More Washington guides
Other Washington rules that change the total.