Use Tax

Use tax is assessed on items used in Washington when the item is taxable, but sales tax has not been paid. Goods used in this state are subject to either sales or use tax, but not both. Thus, the use tax is self-assessed and remitted to the state when sales tax has not been paid. For additional information, see the Department of Revenue website.

When the receipt does not show that sales tax has been charged, use tax will need to be assessed internally and the University will remit the use tax directly to the Department of Revenue monthly. Some common situations:

  • Item was purchased from out-of-state
  • Item was purchased from the internet
  • Item was a subscription

Learn more about the Use tax process for Procard.

Use Tax Rates

The tax rates as of 9/1/2025 are:

  • Bothell 10.2%
  • Seattle 10.35%
  • Tacoma 10.3%

New rates generally come into effect every April 1st. The Use Tax rate should be based on the rate for the location where the items will be used. Tax rates for other locations can be found at the Sales Tax Rates website.

Regardless of where the vendor is located, if the vendor is shipping a taxable item to a location in Washington, shipping will be included in the total price used to calculate the use tax. For additional information please see WAC 458-20-110.

 
Use Tax Corrections (Reversal/Assessment):
Procurement Services manages the use tax correction process. If you have any questions, please contact them directly.
 
Submit a use tax correction with procurement services.
 
Please note that although reconciliation is not required to submit a use tax correction, departments are also expected to accurately reconcile purchases within 45 days, and timely use tax corrections can facilitate that process.