What this calculator does
Seattle's 10.55% combined sales tax is one of the highest in the country. This calculator adds tax to a price, backs it out of a total and estimates how much sales tax a household pays in a year. Seattle's high sales tax (10.55%) and rent offset part of the no-income-tax advantage, but high average wages keep take-home pay strong.
How to use it
- Enter an amount.
- Say whether it is before or after tax.
- Optionally enter yearly taxable spending.
The formula
Tax = price × 10.55%. Tax inside a total = total − total ÷ 1.1055. The rate is Washington's 6.5% plus 4.05% local (King County, Seattle and Sound Transit).
Worked example
Using the default inputs shown in the calculator above:
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| Washington state | 6.50% |
| King County, Seattle and Sound Transit (local) | 4.05% |
| Combined Seattle rate | 10.55% |
Seattle sales tax: $10.55. Total with tax $110.55 at 10.55%.
Washington has no income tax on wages and relies heavily on sales tax instead, which is why Seattle's 10.55% is among the highest big-city rates in the US. Because groceries are exempt, the tax falls mostly on restaurant meals, goods and services rather than food at home.
Sales tax and Seattle budgets
Groceries and prescription drugs are exempt, while restaurant meals, clothing, electronics and many services are taxed. Vehicle purchases add Sound Transit's motor vehicle excise tax on registration. Because Washington has no wage tax, sales tax is one of the main ways residents pay for state and local government.
What Seattle sales tax adds to everyday purchases
At 10.55%, sales tax adds a little more than a dime to every dollar of taxable spending. The examples below are taxable at the combined Seattle rate; groceries and prescription drugs would not be.
| Purchase | Price | Sales tax | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch out | $18.00 | $1.90 | $19.90 |
| Dinner for two | $90.00 | $9.50 | $99.49 |
| Pair of running shoes | $140.00 | $14.77 | $154.77 |
| Laptop | $1,200.00 | $126.60 | $1,326.60 |
| Sofa | $2,000.00 | $211.00 | $2,211.00 |
Sales tax over a year
For budgeting, it helps to think about how much of your yearly spending is taxable: restaurant meals, clothing, electronics, furniture and many services. This is a useful number to set against the income tax a Seattle resident does not pay.
| Taxable spending per year | Sales tax per year |
|---|---|
| $5,000 | $528 |
| $10,000 | $1,055 |
| $20,000 | $2,110 |
| $30,000 | $3,165 |
Common mistakes and tips
- Assuming groceries are taxed.
- Using an old rate — local rates can change at the start of a quarter.
- Forgetting that the rental car and lodging taxes are higher.
- Comparing Seattle's rate with suburbs without checking their rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Seattle sales tax rate in 2026?
10.55%.
Are groceries taxed in Washington?
Most groceries are exempt.
How much sales tax does a household pay?
Enter yearly taxable spending in the calculator; at $15,000 it is about $1,583.
Why is Seattle's sales tax so high?
Washington relies on sales tax instead of a wage income tax, and Sound Transit adds its own rate.
Sources
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, legal, real estate, or insurance advice. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions.