Disclaimer: All rates and figures on this page are estimates for general informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, or legal advice. Sales tax rates change and vary by city, county, and the type of item purchased. Verify current rates with the District of Columbia Department of Revenue before relying on these figures, and consult a qualified tax professional for specific guidance.
Calculate sales tax on any purchase in District of Columbia. The state sales tax rate is 6.5%, and when combined with the average local rate of 0%, the total average in District of Columbia comes to 6.50%. Actual rates vary by city and county.
District of Columbia Sales Tax Rates
- State Rate
- 6.5%
- Avg Local Rate
- 0%
- Combined Average
- 6.50%
Quick Reference
The District's general sales tax rose to 6.5% on October 1, 2025 and is scheduled to reach 7% on October 1, 2026.
State income tax: 10.75% top rate
District of Columbia Sales Tax Table
Quick reference for common purchase amounts at the 6.50% combined average rate:
| Purchase Price | Sales Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.65 | $10.65 |
| $25 | $1.63 | $26.63 |
| $50 | $3.25 | $53.25 |
| $100 | $6.50 | $106.50 |
| $250 | $16.25 | $266.25 |
| $500 | $32.50 | $532.50 |
| $1,000 | $65.00 | $1065.00 |
| $2,500 | $162.50 | $2662.50 |
| $5,000 | $325.00 | $5325.00 |
How District of Columbia Sales Tax Works
Sales tax in District of Columbia is collected at the point of sale on most tangible goods and some services. The state portion of 6.5% is uniform statewide, while local jurisdictions may add their own rates, averaging 0% across the state. Certain items like groceries and prescription medications may be exempt or taxed at reduced rates.
When budgeting in District of Columbia, remember that sales tax affects your purchasing power. With a median home value of $687,500 and a property tax rate of 0.56%, understanding all taxes helps you make informed financial decisions.
What Is and Is Not Taxed in District of Columbia
Unprepared groceries are exempt from District of Columbia state sales tax — restaurant meals and prepared food are taxed at a higher rate.
Prescription medicines are exempt in District of Columbia, as they are in every state that levies a sales tax; over-the-counter drugs and most medical supplies are treated separately and are frequently taxable.
Out-of-state sellers must register and collect District of Columbia tax once they cross the state's economic nexus threshold, a rule that follows from the 2018 Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair. Below that threshold, the buyer technically owes use tax instead.
District of Columbia Sales Tax vs. the National Picture
At 6.5% combined (state plus average local), District of Columbia's sales tax ranks 32nd-highest nationally — below the national median of 7%.
District of Columbia adds no local sales taxes, so the 6.5% state rate is exactly what you pay at the register everywhere in District of Columbia.
Combined state-plus-local averages nearby: Delaware (no sales tax); Maryland (6%); Pennsylvania (6.34%); Virginia (5.77%); West Virginia (6.6%). Delaware charges no sales tax at all.