Understanding Spokane County Tax Rates

Spokane County's sales tax is a combination of Washington State's base rate and additional local taxes imposed by the county, cities, or special districts. As of 2024, the state sales tax rate is 6.5%, while Spokane County adds 0.8% to 1.1%, depending on the specific location within the county. For example, the City of Spokane has a total combined rate of 8.7%, including state, county, and city taxes.

Washington State does not levy a personal or corporate income tax, relying instead on sales tax, property tax, and business taxes for revenue. However, businesses may still owe other state taxes, such as the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax.

What's Taxable in Spokane County?

Most goods and some services are subject to sales tax in Spokane County. Common taxable items include:

• Retail goods (electronics, furniture, vehicles)
• Prepared food and restaurant meals
• Utilities (unless exempt for residential use)
• Recreational services (gym memberships, event tickets)

Key exemptions include:

• Groceries (unprepared food items)
• Prescription drugs and medical equipment
• Clothing (though accessories may be taxable)
• Certain agricultural supplies

Recent Rate Changes

Sales tax rates in Spokane County can change due to voter-approved measures, state legislation, or new special district taxes. For instance, transportation or public safety initiatives may temporarily increase local rates. The City of Spokane Valley adjusted its rate in recent years to fund infrastructure projects.

To ensure accuracy, always verify current rates with the Washington Department of Revenue or consult a local tax professional, especially if filing business taxes.

Tips for Residents & Businesses

For residents:

• Keep receipts for major purchases to track taxable spending.
• Take advantage of tax-free weekends (if applicable) for back-to-school or emergency preparedness items.

For businesses:

• Register with the Washington Department of Revenue to collect and remit sales tax properly.
• Use point-of-sale systems that automatically update tax rates for different Spokane County jurisdictions.
• Review exemptions—for example, wholesale or resale transactions may not be taxable.