District of Columbia sales tax rates (July 1, 2026)
| State rate | 6.00% |
|---|---|
| Average local rate | 0.00% |
| Average combined rate | 6.00% |
| Rank among the 50 states and DC | 38 (tied with 3 others) of 51, where 1 is the highest combined rate |
District of Columbia has no general local sales taxes, so the 6.00% state rate is the rate you pay on taxable purchases anywhere in the state.
Sales tax on common purchases in District of Columbia
| Purchase | Tax at 6.00% | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.60 | $10.60 |
| $25 | $1.50 | $26.50 |
| $50 | $3.00 | $53.00 |
| $100 | $6.00 | $106.00 |
| $250 | $15.00 | $265.00 |
| $500 | $30.00 | $530.00 |
| $1,000 | $60.00 | $1,060.00 |
| $5,000 | $300.00 | $5,300.00 |
Worked example: a $250 purchase
Combined rate = 6.00% state + 0.00% average local = 6.00%
Sales tax = $250 × 0.06 = $15.00
Total = $250 + $15.00 = $265.00
To back the tax out of a receipt total, divide by 1 plus the rate: $265.00 ÷ 1.06 ≈ $250.00. The reverse sales tax calculator does this for any rate.
District of Columbia compared with nearby states
| State | State rate | Avg. local | Combined | Tax on $250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% | $15.00 |
| Maryland | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% | $15.00 |
| Virginia | 5.30% | 0.47% | 5.77% | $14.43 |
Average combined rates are lower in Virginia. Before shopping across the border, note that states with a sales tax also charge use tax on taxable goods bought elsewhere and brought home untaxed, and vehicles are taxed where they are registered.
What's taxed and what's exempt in District of Columbia
- The general sales tax stays at 6% through September 30, 2027, after a scheduled increase was postponed; groceries are exempt.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in District of Columbia in 2026?
The state rate is 6.00%. District of Columbia has no general local sales taxes, so 6.00% applies statewide.
How much is the sales tax on $100 in District of Columbia?
About $6.00 at the 6.00% average combined rate, for a total of $106.00.
How does District of Columbia's sales tax compare with other states?
District of Columbia ranks 38 (tied with 3 others) of 51 for combined state and average local sales tax, where 1 is the highest. Nearby, Virginia (5.77%) is lower.
Do I pay District of Columbia sales tax on online orders?
Yes, in most cases. Larger online sellers and marketplaces collect District of Columbia sales tax based on the delivery address. If a seller doesn't, District of Columbia residents owe use tax at the same rate on taxable items, usually reported on the state income tax return.
What else should shoppers know about sales tax in District of Columbia?
The general sales tax stays at 6% through September 30, 2027, after a scheduled increase was postponed; groceries are exempt.
Rates are averages for planning — not tax advice. Source: Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (rates as of July 1, 2026). Local rates vary by address and can change during the year; the District of Columbia revenue department publishes the official rate for each location.