What is the sales tax rate in Washington State?

Washington has a statewide base sales tax rate of 6.5%. Local cities and counties add their own local rates on top, so the combined rate typically ranges from about 7.0% to over 10% depending on the location.

How do I calculate Washington local sales tax?

To calculate Washington local sales tax, multiply the taxable sale amount by the combined rate for that location (state 6.5% plus local city/county rate). For example, on a $100 purchase at a 10.1% combined rate, tax = 100 × 0.101 = $10.10 and total price = $110.10.

How do I find the correct local rate for my address?

The most accurate way is to use the Washington Department of Revenue's official rate lookup by address or geolocation. ZIP codes alone can span multiple tax areas, so they are only an approximation. For filing and compliance, always confirm rates with the WA DOR.

Can I reverse-calculate the pre-tax price from a total including tax?

Yes. Divide the total price by (1 + tax rate). For example, if the total is $110.10 and the rate is 10.1%, pre-tax price = 110.10 ÷ 1.101 ≈ $100.00 and tax = $10.10. The calculator on this page can do this automatically.

Are all purchases in Washington subject to sales tax?

No. Many services and some goods are exempt or taxed differently, such as most groceries and certain prescription drugs. This calculator assumes the full amount you enter is taxable. For specific exemptions, consult the Washington Department of Revenue or a tax professional.

Washington Local Sales Tax Calculator

Estimate Washington State and local city/county sales tax, compare rates, and reverse-calculate pre-tax amounts from totals.

Calculate Washington Local Sales Tax

Location (city / area)

Rates are approximate. For filing, always confirm with the WA Department of Revenue.

ZIP code (optional)

ZIPs can span multiple tax areas; use WA DOR lookup for exact rates.

State rate (%)

Washington statewide base rate.

Local rate (%)

City / county / transit, etc.

Combined rate (%)

State + local.

Price before tax ($)

Taxable portion (%)

Use less than 100% if part of the sale is exempt.

Sample Washington Local Sales Tax Rates

These are approximate combined rates (state + local) for illustration only. Always verify current rates with the Washington Department of Revenue.

City / Area	State rate	Local rate	Combined
Seattle	6.5%	3.75%	10.25%
Tacoma	6.5%	3.80%	10.30%
Bellevue	6.5%	3.60%	10.10%
Spokane	6.5%	2.50%	9.00%
Vancouver	6.5%	2.10%	8.60%

How Washington local sales tax works

Washington is a destination-based sales tax state. That means the total sales tax rate depends on where the buyer receives the goods or where the service is performed, not just where the seller is located.

The combined rate is made up of:

State sales tax: 6.5% statewide base rate.
Local sales tax: city, county, transit, and other local option taxes.

Forward calculation (from price before tax)

Let:

P = price before tax
r = combined tax rate (as a decimal, e.g. 0.101 for 10.1%)

Then:

Sales tax = P × r
Total price = P × (1 + r)

Reverse calculation (from total including tax)

If you only know the total amount paid (including tax):

T = total price including tax
r = combined tax rate (decimal)

Then:

Price before tax = T ÷ (1 + r)
Sales tax = T − Price before tax

Example: Seattle purchase

Suppose you sell a taxable item in Seattle for $100 before tax, and the combined rate is 10.25%.

P = 100
r = 0.1025

Sales tax = 100 × 0.1025 = $10.25
Total price = 100 × 1.1025 = $110.25

Destination-based sourcing and online sales

For most retail sales, Washington requires you to use the rate at the delivery location (destination-based sourcing). For online or shipped orders, this is usually the customer’s shipping address. For in-store pickup, it is the store location.

Important compliance note

This calculator is designed for quick estimates and planning. For official reporting, you should always:

Use the Washington Department of Revenue rate lookup by address or geolocation.
Confirm whether your product or service is taxable, exempt, or taxed at a special rate.
Keep records of the location and rate used for each sale.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Divide the total by 1 + rate (rate as a decimal). For example, if the total is $110.10 and the combined rate is 10.1% (0.101):
Pre-tax price = 110.10 ÷ 1.101 ≈ $100.00
Sales tax = 110.10 − 100.00 = $10.10.
Select “From total incl. tax” in the calculator to do this automatically.