Understanding King County’s Sales Tax: Clarifying the 10.3% Rate and New 0.1% Increase
By Cindy Alia 7/24/25
King County, Washington, residents and businesses face a complex sales tax structure that has sparked confusion, particularly with recent tax changes. A July 22, 2025, King County Council announcement about a new 0.1% sales tax for public safety and criminal justice has raised questions about the total sales tax rate, with some mistakenly interpreting it as “10.3 cents per $100.” This article aims to clarify the combined sales tax rate in King County, including the new increment, and address potential misconceptions.