Credit card processing and merchant services in Kent, WA
Kent has two sales tax rates for late 2026: 10.4% under location code 1715 and 9.0% in the area the Department of Revenue lists as Kent non-RTA. Your address decides which one you charge.
Kent's combined sales tax rate is 10.4% for October 1 through December 31, 2026: a 3.9% local rate plus Washington's 6.5%, under location code 1715. The Department of Revenue's quarterly table has a second Kent line, though. The Kent non-RTA area, location code 4015, carries a 2.5% local rate, for 9.0% combined. RTA refers to the regional transit authority, and the Department lists the part of Kent outside it under that separate code.
On a $500 sale, code 1715 means $52.00 in tax and code 4015 means $45.00. Look your address up with the Department's rate lookup before you set up a register, and again if you move.
The 10.4% is also new this year. On January 1, 2026, Kent raised its local sales and use tax by a tenth of a percent for local law enforcement programs, and King County imposed the same tax that day, so the rate rose 0.2 points in all. A terminal still running last year's rate has been short on every sale since then, and that shortfall is yours to make up.
Deliveries follow Washington's destination rule. When a customer receives an order somewhere else in the state, you charge the rate at that address, so a $500 order delivered to a Seattle customer carries Seattle's 10.55%, or $52.75. Set your online checkout to work out tax from the shipping address, not from your warehouse or shop.
The Census Bureau estimated Kent's population at 134,871 in July 2025. Our Washington page covers the rest of the state picture, including surcharge limits that come only from Visa and Mastercard, the cash discount protection in RCW 19.52.130 and rounding of cash totals to the nearest five cents. A free statement review shows what each card payment costs you today.
Rules that matter in Kent
Kent's two sales tax location codes
For October 1 through December 31, 2026, the Department of Revenue lists Kent under location code 1715 at 10.4% (3.9% local plus 6.5% state), and a separate Kent non-RTA area under location code 4015 at 9.0% (2.5% local plus 6.5% state).
Kent's rate went up on January 1, 2026, when the city added 0.1% to its local sales and use tax for local law enforcement programs and King County imposed the same tax, a total increase of 0.2 percentage points.
Sources: Washington Department of Revenue, Local sales and use tax rates, Quarter 4 2026 (PDF); Washington Department of Revenue, Local sales tax change: City of Kent, January 1, 2026 (PDF)
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Common questions
What is the sales tax rate in Kent, WA?
10.4% under location code 1715 for October 1 through December 31, 2026: a 3.9% local rate plus the 6.5% state rate. The Department of Revenue also lists a Kent non-RTA area, code 4015, at 9.0%. Use the Department's lookup tool to see which code covers your address.
Why does part of Kent have a 9.0% sales tax rate?
The Department of Revenue lists that area on its own line, Kent non-RTA, location code 4015, with a 2.5% local rate instead of 3.9%. RTA refers to the regional transit authority, and that part of Kent sits outside it. A business there charges 9.0% on sales its customers receive there and reports them under code 4015.
When did Kent's sales tax go up?
On January 1, 2026. Kent added a tenth of a percent to its local sales and use tax for local law enforcement programs, and King County imposed the same tax that day, for a 0.2-point increase. The Department's table for October through December 2026 lists 10.4% under code 1715.
What rate does a Kent business charge on a delivery to Tacoma?
Tacoma's, which the Department of Revenue lists at 10.5% for October through December 2026. Washington taxes deliveries at the rate where the customer receives them, so a Kent store under code 1715 charges 10.4% on pickups and the destination's rate on deliveries. Our Tacoma page covers that city.
Can a Kent business offer a discount for cash instead of a card surcharge?
Yes. Washington's RCW 19.52.130 keeps card issuers from contractually blocking general cash discounts, as long as the discount stays within what Regulation Z permits. A surcharge is also an option, within Visa's and Mastercard's caps and never on debit. Our dual pricing and surcharging guide weighs the two.
Disclaimer: general information, not professional advice
This page is general educational information, not legal, tax, accounting or financial advice. Rules and rates vary by place and change, so confirm them with the official source and a qualified professional before you act. Full terms are in our Terms of Service.
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