The Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) sales tax will increase five-tenths of one percent to a total of nine-tenths of one percent on April 1, according to the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR).

The 0.5 percent increase was approved by voters last November. It will be used to expand and coordinate light-rail, commuter-rail, and express bus service, and improve access to transit facilities in King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties. The rate increase applies to the majority of urban areas in those counties.

Once the higher rate takes effect, overall general sales tax rates will be up to 9.5 percent in King County, 9.4 percent in Snohomish County, and 9.3 percent in Pierce County. Rates depend on exact locations within counties, cities and other taxing districts.
DOR provides a sales tax rate lookup tool at http://www.dor.wa.gov/content/findtaxesandrates/salesandusetaxrates/lookupataxrate/ . A publication showing tax rates for all locations beginning April 1 is available at http://www.dor.wa.gov/Docs/forms/ExcsTx/LocSalUseTx/LocalSlsUseFlyer_Quarterly.pdf . This publication includes new location codes for areas of Auburn, Bellevue and Woodinville that are outside the RTA boundaries.

Questions about the rate change also can be directed to the Department’s toll-free help line, 1-800-647-7706.