The Washington (WA) state sales tax rate is currently 6.5%, ranking 9th-highest in the U.S. Depending on local municipalities, the total tax rate can be as high as 10.4%. The average local rate is 2.69%. The average combined tax rate is 9.19%, ranking 4th in the US.

Local taxes apply to both intra-state and inter-state transactions.

Use tax is paid by the consumer when the retail sales tax was not collected by the seller/service provider.

In Washington, sales of food and food ingredients are exempt from retail sales tax. Sales of prescription drugs/hearing aids/lenses for human use are exempt from sales tax when the buyer presents a prescription. Retail sales tax is not imposed on sales to Indians if the tangible personal property is delivered to the member or tribe in Indian Country or if the sale takes place in Indian Country.

Washington participates in the Streamlined Sales Tax Project (SSTP).