Washington DC Sales Tax Guide 2025

Are you a Shopify merchant or SaaS startup struggling with sales tax compliance in Washington DC? This 2025 Washington DC sales tax guide breaks down everything you need to know, from understanding sales tax rates to registration and filing.

What Is the Washington DC Sales Tax Rate?

Jurisdiction	Sales tax rate
State tax	6.0%
Local tax	0.0%
Combined Tax	6.0%

The Washington DC sales tax rate is simple compared to other states because it has a uniform sales tax rate of 6.0%. No additional local taxes — county or city — exist in the federal district.

DC Sales Tax Calculations

Sales tax in Washington DC is calculated based on the location of the sale or delivery and the type of product or service sold. The general sales tax rate in DC is 6.0%, but certain goods and services are taxed at higher or lower rates.

For instance, tickets to legitimate theaters and entertainment venues are taxed at 6%, soft drinks are taxed at 8%, and restaurant meals are taxed at 10%. Learn more about the tax rates and revenues in DC

To calculate sales tax in Washington DC, you have to follow three steps.

1. Identify the Taxable Amount: Start with the total sales price of the taxable goods or services.
2. Apply the Appropriate Tax Rate: The standard rate for most tangible personal property is 6%.
3. Add the Tax to the Sales Price: Multiply the sales price by the applicable rate to determine the total sales tax owed.

Let’s say a retailer in DC sells a laptop to a customer.

Sale price: $1,200

Washington DC sales tax rate (general): 6.00%

Sales tax: $1,200 × 0.06 = $72.00

Total charged to customer: $1,200 + $72 = $1,272.00

Sales Tax Nexus in Washington DC

Sales tax nexus in Washington DC determines whether your business is required to collect and remit sales tax. Nexus can be established through physical presence, economic activity, or marketplace sales, triggering specific tax obligations for sellers.

Physical Nexus

Physical nexus applies when you have a physical location in DC or are running a business in the district.

Here's what might create a nexus for you in Washington DC:

• You have an office or store in the area.
• You're keeping your products in a warehouse or distribution center in DC.
• Your employees or representatives are in DC taking orders, providing services, or making sales.
• You're selling, delivering, or providing tangible goods to customers in the District.

Economic Nexus

Washington DC enforces economic nexus, requiring remote sellers to collect sales tax when they meet at least one of the following thresholds:

1. More than $100,000 in gross revenue from sales delivered into DC in the current or previous calendar year.
2. Makes 200 or more sale transactions in the same time period.

Washington DC Sales Tax Exemptions in 2025

Washington DC offers specific sales tax exemptions for certain goods, services, and buyers in 2025. Understanding these exemptions helps businesses apply the correct tax rules and stay compliant.

What Goods & Services Are Taxable in DC?

In Washington DC, most tangible goods and many services are subject to sales tax, including prepared food, alcoholic beverages, clothing, furniture, and Software as a Service (SaaS).

Businesses must also collect tax on services like parking, fitness memberships, hotel accommodations, and cloud-based software subscriptions.

Here's an overview of the taxable goods and services in Washington DC.

Taxable Goods	Taxable Services
Tangible personal property (unless specifically exempt)	Software as a Service (SaaS) and cloud-based software
Prepared food and beverages (including restaurant meals and catering)	Data processing and information services
Alcoholic beverages	Janitorial and cleaning services
Soft drinks	Parking services (14.95% tax rate)
Clothing and footwear (no general exemption or threshold)	Towing services
Furniture and appliances	Storage and warehousing
Electronics and home goods	Health club memberships and fitness classes
Cosmetics and toiletries	Dry cleaning and laundry services (excluding self-service)
Jewelry and accessories	Telecommunication services
Motor vehicles	Hotel and short-term accommodations (18% tax rate)
Art and collectibles	Car rentals and shared vehicle services

Qualifying Exemptions & Documentation

Washington DC exempts certain essential items and transactions, such as unprepared food, prescription drugs, medical devices, and sales to qualifying nonprofits or government entities.

These are the items that are tax-exempt in the district:

• Diapers
• Groceries
• Unprepared food
• Prescription drugs
• Feminine hygiene products
• Medical devices and equipment
• Educational SaaS for nonprofits
• Residential utilities (gas, electric)
• Textbooks (school use)
• Sales to nonprofits or governments

No documentation is needed when purchasing universally exempt items, such as diapers and feminine hygiene products in DC. However, when a buyer claims an exemption from sales tax based on their status or intended use, a valid sales tax certificate of exemption must be provided.

What Is a DC Sales Tax Exemption Certificate?

A DC Sales Tax Exemption Certificate is an official document that allows eligible buyers to purchase certain goods or services without paying sales tax in the district.

It is used to certify that the buyer qualifies for a tax exemption based on their status (e.g., nonprofit, government agency) or the intended use of the purchase (e.g., resale).

There are different types of exemption certificates based on purpose and eligibility.

1. Exemption to File (FR-164)

• Purpose: Allows nonprofit organizations to apply for exemption from DC income, franchise, sales and use, or personal property taxes.
• Eligibility: IRS-recognized nonprofits, including 501(c)(3) organizations.

2. Utility Exemption Certificate (OTR-308)

• Purpose: Provides an exemption from sales tax on utility services (e.g., electricity, gas) used directly in manufacturing, processing, or other qualifying activities.
• Eligibility: Businesses where utilities are used predominantly (over 50%) for qualifying purposes.

3. Contractor’s Exempt Purchase Certificate (OTR-553)

• Purpose: Allows contractors to purchase materials tax-free when working on projects for tax-exempt entities, such as government agencies or nonprofits.
• Eligibility: Contractors with a valid DC tax registration number (Form FR-500) working on qualifying projects.

4. Certificate of Resale (OTR-368)

• Purpose: Enables businesses to purchase goods tax-free for resale purposes.
• Eligibility: Retailers, wholesalers, and other businesses with a valid DC sales tax license.

5. QHTC Exempt Purchase Certificate (FP-337)

• Purpose: Allows Qualified High Technology Companies (QHTCs) to purchase certain technology-related items tax-free.
• Eligibility: Businesses certified as QHTCs under DC law.

Washington DC Sales Tax Registration

If your business sells taxable goods or services in Washington DC, you must register for a DC sales tax permit before making any sales. This process—officially known as sales tax registration—grants your business the authority to collect and remit sales tax to the District of Columbia.

How Do I Get a DC Sales Tax Permit?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to registering for a Washington DC sales tax permit.

Step 1: Determine If You Need to Register

You must register if you:

• Sell taxable goods or services in DC
• Have sales tax nexus in DC (physical or economic presence)
• Are a marketplace seller making sales in DC

Step 2: Gather Required Information

Before you start the registration process, collect the following:

• Business name and legal structure (LLC, Corp, Sole Prop, etc.)
• Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
• Business address and contact details
• Responsible party information (e.g., owner or officer)
• NAICS business activity code
• Anticipated start date for sales

Step 3: Go to MyTax DC

Visit the MyTaxDC website.

→ Click “Register a New Business”

→ Select “Register for a New Tax Account (FR-500)”

Step 4: Complete the FR-500 Registration Form

Follow the online prompts to complete Form FR-500, which includes:

• Business identification details
• Type of taxes you need to register for (check “Sales and Use Tax”)
• Start date of business activity in DC
• Projected monthly sales volume (for filing frequency assignment)

Step 5: Submit and Confirm

• Review the form carefully for accuracy.
• Submit electronically through the portal.
• You will receive a Confirmation Number and your Sales and Use Tax Account Number shortly after approval—this acts as your Washington DC sales tax permit.

Step 6: Start Collecting & Filing

Once you receive your sales tax permit, you can begin collecting tax in Washington DC for taxable transactions. You also need to file and remit sales tax.

Washington DC Sales Tax Filing

Once your business is registered and has a Washington DC sales tax permit, you’re required to file and remit sales tax. Even if no sales are made, you have to file a $0 return to remain in good standing. Filing ensures that the District receives the correct amount of tax collected from your customers and keeps your business compliant with local tax laws.

Main Filing Requirements

Here are the requirements that you should complete when filing for sales tax returns.

1. Sales Records

• Invoices, receipts, and sales reports showing gross and taxable sales
• Details of sales tax collected from customers

2. Exemption Certificates

• Valid DC Sales Tax Exemption Certificates (e.g., Form OTR-553, OTR-368) for any exempt sales
• Must be retained on file (not submitted) in case of audit

3. Purchase and Expense Records

• Records of inventory purchases and supplies
• Documentation of use tax owed on out-of-state purchases if tax wasn’t collected at the point of sale

4. Filing Confirmation

• Copies of submitted tax returns and payment confirmations from MyTax.DC.gov website

5. Business Registration Info

• Your DC Sales and Use Tax Account Number
• FR-500 confirmation (initial registration document)

How to File and Pay Sales Tax in Washington DC

1. Active Sales Tax Permit. You must be registered with the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) and have a valid sales tax account number.
2. File Electronically. All sales tax returns must be filed online via MyTax.DC.gov website. Paper filings are not accepted.
3. Report All Sales. Include gross sales, taxable sales, exempt sales, and the total tax collected during the reporting period.
4. Filing Frequency Compliance. File on your assigned schedule (monthly, quarterly, or annually) as determined by your sales volume.
5. Zero Returns Required. If no sales were made during the period, you must still file a $0 return to remain compliant.
6. Pay on Time. Pay sales tax on time and it must be submitted electronically with your return by the 20th of the month following the reporting period.
7. Keep Records. Maintain detailed records of sales, exemptions, and returns for at least three years in case of audit.

Filing frequency

The OTR assigns your filing frequency when you first register for sales tax (via Form FR-500 on MyTax.DC.gov). It may also adjust your filing frequency later based on your actual reported tax liability. You’ll be notified by mail or through your MyTax.Dc.gov account if a change occurs.

The assigned filing frequency will be any of the three — monthly, quarterly, or annual.

Monthly Filing

• Assigned to businesses with high sales volume
• If sales tax is more than $1,200 per month

Quarterly Filing

• Assigned to businesses with moderate sales
• Suitable for businesses with sales tax between $200 and $1,200 per month

Annual Filing

• Assigned to low-volume businesses
• Usually applies when sales tax is less than $200 per month

Washington DC Sales Tax Due Dates

Frequency	Due Date
Monthly	Every 20th of the following month.
Quarterly	Every 20th of the month following the quarter’s end.
Annually	January 20 of the following year.

Note that if the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the return is due on the next business day.

Related Questions

Are Groceries & Prescription Drugs Exempt from Tax in Washington DC?

Yes. Unprepared food (groceries) and prescription drugs are fully exempt from sales tax in Washington DC. These exemptions help reduce the tax burden on essential items.

Does DC Have a Sales Tax Holiday?

No, Washington DC does not currently offer a sales tax holiday after the district decided to repeal it. All taxable goods and services are subject to sales tax year-round unless otherwise exempt.

How Is Use Tax Reported in DC?

Use tax is reported on the DC sales and use tax return via MyTax.DC.gov. Businesses must self-assess and remit use tax on taxable items purchased without paying DC sales tax, such as out-of-state or online purchases.

Are Digital Goods Taxed in DC?

Yes. Washington DC taxes digital goods such as downloaded music, videos, e-books, and SaaS (Software as a Service). These are treated as tangible personal property for tax purposes.

Is Software as a Service (SaaS) Taxed in Washington DC?

SaaS is taxable for B2B SaaS and B2C SaaS. In addition, Washington DC taxes the following digital categories:

• General Digital
• Canned Software Delivered on TPP
• Canned Software Downloaded
• Custom Software Delivered on TPP
• Custom Software Downloaded
• Customization of Canned Software