Washington State’s New Sales Tax Rates: What Businesses Need to Know

Washington State has updated its local sales and use tax rates, and the changes effective January 1, 2026, are important for both consumers and businesses across the state. While the base statewide sales tax remains 6.5%, local jurisdictions, including many cities and counties have adjusted their local rates, meaning combined rates now vary significantly depending on where a transaction occurs. (Washington Department of Revenue)

What’s Changed for 2026?

Each quarter, the Washington Department of Revenue publishes a local sales and use tax rate table showing updated combined rates for all cities and counties. For the first quarter of 2026 (January 1 through March 31), this table reflects rate changes in many jurisdictions statewide. The searchable list includes:

• Local tax rates

• State rate (6.5%)

• Total combined rate (state + local)

  
  

  And, importantly, it highlights which locations have new or revised rates compared to prior quarters. (Washington Department of Revenue)

While many areas see no changes, several cities now show new local rates that increase overall sales tax. These adjustments often fund local initiatives like law enforcement programs, transportation improvements, or other community priorities. (Washington Retail Association)

Key Cities With New or Increased Rates

Here are some of the cities now showing updated sales tax rates for 2026: (Washington Department of Revenue)

King County Area

• Auburn in King County – 10.4%

• Auburn in King County Non-RTA - 9.0%

• Bellevue – 10.3%

• Bellevue Non-RTA - 8.9%

• Black Diamond - 9.0%

• Bothell - 10.3%

• Burien - 10.3%

• Carnation - 8.9%

• Clyde Hill - 10.3%

• Covington - 9.2%

• Des Moines - 10.4%

• Duvall – 9.2%

• Kent - 10.4%

• Kent Non-RTA - 9.0%

• Maple Valley - 9.0%

• SeaTac - 10.4%

• Seattle - 10.55%

• and more cities also show updated local rates (Washington Department of Revenue)

Snohomish & Whatcom Counties

• Edmonds (Snohomish) – 10.6%

• Bellingham (Whatcom) – 9.1%

Other Notable Changes

• Bingen (Klickitat County) – 7.7%

• Cashmere (Chelan County) - 8.5%

• Centralia (Lewis County) - 8.2%

• East Wenatchee (Douglas County) – 8.7%

• College Place (Walla Walla County), Cle Elum (Kittitas County), and Coupeville (Island County) also show updated local rates. (Washington Department of Revenue)

These changes reflect local voter initiatives or council decisions to allocate additional revenue for community services like law enforcement, transportation, and infrastructure. (Washington Retail Association)

Why This Matters

For Consumers

• The total sales tax you pay at checkout depends on the exact location of your purchase, so even neighboring cities can have noticeably different tax rates.

For Businesses

• Retailers must collect the correct local rate based on the buyer’s location, which changes when new rates take effect. Failure to do so can lead to compliance issues. (Washington Department of Revenue)

How to Check Your Location’s Rate

To find the exact sales tax rate for a specific address or ZIP code, Washington’s DOR provides a tax rate lookup tool and a downloadable local sales and use tax rate table. These resources allow you to search by city, county, or even street address for the most accurate rate. (Washington Department of Revenue)

Washington’s sales tax landscape continues to evolve. With many communities adjusting local rates for 2026, both shoppers and businesses should stay informed.