Washington, DC's statewide sales tax rate is 6%, with no local sales taxes on top (Tax Foundation, rates as of July 1, 2026). Add tax to a price or work backward from a receipt below.
Rates are 2026 state rates plus population-weighted average local rates; your city or county may differ, and some items (like groceries) are taxed differently.
Sales tax on common purchases in Washington, DC
At the average combined rate of 6%, every $100 you spend carries $6.00 in sales tax. Rates are population-weighted averages, so your city or county may differ slightly — enter its exact rate in the calculator for a precise total.
Washington, DC sales tax at the average combined rate (6%)
Price
Sales tax
Total
$10.00
$0.60
$10.60
$25.00
$1.50
$26.50
$50.00
$3.00
$53.00
$100.00
$6.00
$106.00
$500.00
$30.00
$530.00
$1,000.00
$60.00
$1,060.00
Working backward from a receipt
To find the price before tax, divide the total by 1 plus the rate: in Washington, DC, a $100.00 receipt at 6% breaks down into $94.34 of merchandise and $5.66 of tax. That is handy for expense reports and for checking a receipt that only shows the total.
Price before tax for tax-inclusive totals in Washington, DC (6%)
Total paid
Price before tax
Tax included
$10.00
$9.43
$0.57
$25.00
$23.58
$1.42
$50.00
$47.17
$2.83
$100.00
$94.34
$5.66
$500.00
$471.70
$28.30
$1,000.00
$943.40
$56.60
How Washington, DC compares with neighboring states
Washington, DC's 6% state rate ranks 17th of the 50 states and DC, and its combined average ranks 38th (1st = highest in both).
Sales tax rates in Washington, DC and neighboring states (July 1, 2026)
Which goods are taxable differs by state: groceries, prescription drugs and clothing are often exempt or taxed at a reduced rate, while prepared food and general merchandise usually pay the full rate. Check unusual purchases against the state's current rules.