What is the sales tax rate in Washington DC?

The District of Columbia's general sales tax rate is 6% on most retail goods and services. Because DC is a single jurisdiction, there is no additional county or city sales tax on top of the 6%. However, several specific categories carry higher special rates set by DC law.

Why are restaurant meals and hotels taxed at a higher rate in DC?

DC applies special sales tax rates to certain categories: prepared food and restaurant meals are taxed at 10%, alcohol sold for off-premises consumption at 10.25%, hotel and transient lodging at 14.95%, and commercial parking at 18%. These higher rates reflect tourism and hospitality policy and are added at the point of sale just like the general rate.

Are groceries taxed in Washington DC?

No. Unprepared groceries for home consumption are exempt from DC sales tax, as are prescription medications and most non-prescription drugs. The exemption applies to food you buy to cook at home, not to prepared or restaurant food, which is taxed at the 10% meals rate.

How do I remove DC sales tax from a total?

Switch the calculator to remove mode and enter the total you paid including tax. The tool divides that total by one plus the category's tax rate to find the pre-tax price, then reports the tax portion. For a 6% general item, it divides the total by 1.06.

Does DC charge tax on soft drinks differently?

Yes. DC taxes soft drinks at 8%, higher than the 6% general rate, as part of a public-health-oriented surcharge on sugary beverages. This calculator includes that rate as a separate category so you can see the correct tax on a soda or sweetened drink purchase.

District of Columbia (DC) Sales Tax Calculator

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The District of Columbia charges a 6% general sales tax, and because DC is a single jurisdiction there is no separate county or city tax on top. But DC also sets special category rates: restaurant meals 10%, off-premises alcohol 10.25%, hotels 14.95%, parking 18%, and soft drinks 8% — while groceries and prescriptions are exempt. This calculator applies the right rate for the category you choose.

How it works

The tax is a percentage of the price, using the rate for the selected category:

Add mode: Tax = Pre-tax price × category rate, Total = price + tax Remove mode: Pre-tax = Total ÷ (1 + category rate), Tax = Total − pre-tax

Exempt categories (groceries, prescriptions) use a 0% rate, so the tax is $0 and the total equals the price. Every other category uses its specific DC rate rather than the general 6%.

DC sales tax rates by category

General goods/services: 6%
Soft drinks: 8%
Restaurant meals / prepared food: 10%
Alcohol (off-premises): 10.25%
Hotel / lodging: 14.95%
Commercial parking: 18%
Groceries, prescriptions: exempt (0%)

Worked example

A $100 restaurant meal in DC:

Rate = 10%
Tax = $100 × 10% = $10.00
Total = $110.00

A $100 grocery purchase:

Rate = exempt
Tax = $0.00, total = $100.00

Note: For guidance only — not tax advice. DC’s general rate is 6% with special category rates as listed; there is no local add-on because DC is one jurisdiction. Verify category treatment and current rates with the DC Office of Tax and Revenue.