Seattle Sales Tax Calculator
Seattle sales tax calculator for 2026. Seattle combined rate is approximately 10.25%, among the highest in the US, tied with Chicago and LA. Enter a pre-tax price to see the tax amount and total. Includes WA state (6.5%), King County, city of Seattle, Sound Transit RTA, and other district taxes. Washington has no state income tax.
Regional Rule Context
United States Rates and Rules
Tax Rates
Exemptions
- -Unprepared grocery food
- -Prescription medicines
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Seattle sales tax calculator for 2026. Seattle combined rate is approximately 10.25% (6.5% WA state + King County + city + Sound Transit RTA + other districts). Among the highest in the US, tied with Chicago and LA. Washington has no state income tax, so sales tax is a primary revenue source. Groceries are exempt. Clothing is taxable. Most King County cities (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland) share a similar ~10.25% rate.
Disclaimer: This calculator uses publicly available rules effective as of Jan 1, 2025 (version 1.0). Results are for informational purposes only. Always verify with official sources or a qualified professional. Last reviewed: Mar 1, 2026.
Formula
Seattle rate breakdown: 6.5% Washington state + city of Seattle + King County + Sound Transit RTA + other local districts = ~10.25% combined. Washington has no income tax, so sales tax is the primary state revenue source. Rates are destination-based for shipped items.
United States FAQs
What is the sales tax rate in Seattle?
Seattle has a combined sales tax rate of approximately 10.25% in 2026, consisting of 6.5% Washington state tax plus King County, city of Seattle, Sound Transit RTA, and other local district components. This is among the highest combined rates of any major US city, tied with Chicago and Los Angeles.
Why is Seattle sales tax over 10%?
Seattle stacks multiple tax layers: 6.5% state, King County tax, city tax, Sound Transit (voter-approved regional transit funding), and special purpose district taxes. Washington has no state income tax, so jurisdictions rely heavily on sales tax for public services, infrastructure, and transit.
Is the rate the same in Bellevue and Redmond?
Most King County Eastside cities (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Bothell) have combined rates near 10.25%, similar to Seattle, because they share the same county and Sound Transit district taxes. Minor differences exist in some unincorporated areas or cities outside King County.
Is food taxed in Seattle?
Unprepared food (groceries) is exempt from sales tax in Seattle, following Washington state law. Prepared food, restaurant meals, and hot deli items are taxable at the full ~10.25% rate. Seattle also has a separate sweetened beverage tax of 1.75 cents per ounce on sugary drinks.
How does Seattle compare to Portland, Oregon?
Portland, Oregon has 0% sales tax (Oregon has no sales tax at all), while Seattle charges ~10.25%. A $500 purchase costs $551.25 in Seattle versus $500.00 in Portland. Many Seattle-area residents cross the border to shop in Oregon for large purchases to avoid the tax.
Does Seattle have additional taxes beyond sales tax?
Yes. Seattle has a sweetened beverage tax (1.75 cents per ounce), a JumpStart payroll tax on large employers, property tax, and a B and O (Business and Occupation) tax. The state also levies a use tax on items purchased out of state to avoid sales tax.
What is Sound Transit and why does it add to my sales tax?
Sound Transit is the regional transit authority building light rail, commuter rail, and bus rapid transit across the Puget Sound region. Voters approved multiple sales tax increases to fund it. The Sound Transit RTA tax adds roughly 0.9% to sales tax in the district, covering Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and surrounding areas.
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