Sales Tax for District of Columbia (2026)
District of Columbia (DC) Key Facts
State Sales Tax Rate
6%
Has State Sales Tax
Yes
Local Taxes May Apply
Yes
Tax Type
Sales and use tax
How This Calculator Works in District of Columbia
This calculator estimates the District of Columbia sales tax on your purchase amount using the state rate of 6%. Enter your purchase price to see the tax amount and total cost.
District of Columbia Overview
Washington, D.C. imposes a 6% general sales tax, but uses a tiered system with higher rates for restaurants (10%), hotels (14.95%), and parking (18%). Groceries, prescription drugs, and most clothing are exempt. As a single jurisdiction with no local add-ons, the rate is uniform across the District.
How District of Columbia Compares
District of Columbia's sales tax rate of 6% compares to Maryland at 6% and Virginia at 5.3%. Combined with local rates, the effective sales tax burden varies by location.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 6% | Maryland has a sales tax rate of 6%. |
| Virginia | 5.3% | Virginia has a sales tax rate of 5.3%. |
District of Columbia's sales tax rate of 6% compares to a national average of approximately 5.10%. This is above the national average.
Tips for District of Columbia Residents
- 1D.C.'s standard sales tax rate is 6%, but restaurant meals and liquor are taxed at 10%, and hotel rooms face a 14.95% rate.
- 2Groceries and prescription drugs are exempt from D.C. sales tax.
- 3D.C. has no local add-on taxes since it functions as a single jurisdiction — the 6% rate is uniform throughout.
- 4Parking is taxed at 18% in D.C., one of the highest parking tax rates in the nation.
- 5There is no sales tax on clothing in D.C., though this exemption does not extend to accessories or protective equipment.