Bellingham, WA Sales Tax: Latest Rates & Updates (2025)
Are you prepared for the financial implications of shopping in Bellingham, Washington? Understanding the sales tax landscape is crucial for both residents and visitors alike, as it directly impacts the cost of goods and services.
Our office has recently relocated to 913 Squalicum Way, Suite 212, Bellingham, WA 98225. This strategic move allows us to better serve our clients and provides a more accessible location for all your needs. Remember, customer, the principles of retail sales tax apply universally.
For businesses operating within Bellingham, the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax is a significant factor. Almost all businesses, regardless of their structure be it a corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietorship, or nonprofit organization are subject to this tax. The City of Bellingham B&O tax is calculated based on the gross revenues of your business, making it essential to understand how this impacts your financial obligations.
The sales tax environment in Washington State is multifaceted. The state mandates a 6.5% statewide sales tax rate. However, the complexity grows with the inclusion of 185 local tax jurisdictions, encompassing cities, towns, counties, and special districts. These entities levy an average local sales tax of 2.455% on top of the state tax. This can result in significantly higher total tax rates, depending on your specific location within Washington. Navigating these nuances is key to sound financial planning.
The sales tax rate in Bellingham, Washington, currently stands at 9%. This consolidated figure represents the sum of the rates from the state, county, city, and any special levels. Below, you will find a comprehensive breakdown of these rates, enabling a clearer understanding of how the total is derived.
Bellingham is situated within Whatcom County, Washington, and therefore, is subject to the regulations and taxes imposed by both the city and the county.
Here in Bellingham, the combined sales tax rate is 9% (as of 2025). This includes a combination of state, county and city taxes. It's essential to stay informed about these figures.
For your convenience, our telephone information center is available to answer your queries and provide any clarification needed regarding sales tax or other related topics.
The total sales tax in Bellingham, WA, is 9.0%, which includes 6.5% state tax and 2.5% local tax. The city also imposes an additional sales tax of 2.50%.
Here's a look at the sales tax dynamics within Bellingham and Whatcom County.
| Tax Jurisdiction | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State | 6.5% | Applies statewide |
| Whatcom County | 1.7% (estimated) | Varies by specific location within the county |
| City of Bellingham | 2.5% | City sales tax |
| Special Tax (e.g., Public Safety) | 0.60% (variable) | Specific to certain jurisdictions within Whatcom County |
| Total Combined Rate (as of 2025) | 9.0% | Sum of all applicable rates |
For those operating in the motor vehicle sales and leasing industry, please note the specific regulations, including those related to "City of Bellingham MVET retail sales tax new location codes car dealers and leasing companies". These rules are crucial for ensuring compliance within the industry.
Lodging sales are also subject to specific tax regulations. Remember the regulations effective July 1, 2022 and Quarter 3 2022 motor vehicles sales or leases effective July 1, 2022 for tax compliance.
The state of Washington provides resources for finding sales and use tax rates, including a tax rate lookup tool, and a mobile application. These tools are essential for businesses and consumers alike to remain informed and compliant with tax regulations. Learn how to determine the location of your sale and download sales tax rate data.
In 2025, the minimum combined sales tax rate for Bellingham is 9%. This is the critical figure for calculating the cost of taxable goods and services.
For a quick and convenient way to calculate sales tax, use the sales tax calculator tool to look up rates for any address or item price in Bellingham.
Retail sales tax is not collected on wholesale transactions. Moreover, it's important to know that reseller permits are valid as long as the buyer and seller conduct business with each other at least once every 12 months.
The sale or rental of tangible products to someone other than the end consumer or the sale of digital products to someone other than the end consumer, are subject to various tax regulations. Navigating these specifics is an essential part of operating a business.
Keep in mind that the "Public safety tax" became effective on April 1, 2024, and will be utilized for criminal justice and public safety purposes. Businesses must collect the appropriate new rate of sales tax for retail sales and services provided within the specified areas.
Bellingham is located within Whatcom County and is home to approximately 263,900 residents. The city encompasses fifteen distinct zip codes that are subject to the sales tax rules outlined above.
Understanding how sales taxes are calculated in Bellingham, Washington, is essential. The general sales tax rate in Bellingham is determined by the combined rates of the state, county, and city taxes.
Key Takeaways:
- The general sales tax rate in Bellingham is 9.0% (as of 2025).
- This rate consists of a 6.5% Washington state sales tax and a 2.5% Bellingham city tax.
- Washington State has a state sales tax of 6.5% and allows local governments to collect a local option sales tax of up to 3.1%.
- The combined sales tax rate for Bellingham, Washington is 9.00%. This is the result of the Washington state tax (6.50%), the Whatcom County sales tax (1.70%), the Bellingham city sales tax (0.20%), and the special tax (0.60%).
Businesses and individuals are encouraged to utilize the available resources to stay up-to-date on tax changes. The state offers tools such as the sales tax calculator and the tax rate lookup tool to help with tax calculations and to find the latest rates.
For the purpose of 2020 income tax deductions, the 2020 rates are included.
Here is a summary of the general sales tax rate for 98225, Bellingham, Washington: The general sales tax rate is 9%.
Here is a table that provides a breakdown of the sales tax rates in Bellingham (as of 2025):
