Georgetown Sales Tax
District of Columbia. Combined state + county + city. Category exemptions and how it compares to neighboring states.
Category exemptions in District of Columbia
What gets taxed and what's exempt — these rules apply across the entire state of District of Columbia, including Georgetown.
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Exempt | Unprepared food at grocery stores. |
| Clothing | Taxed (full rate) | Everyday apparel and footwear. |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Prescribed medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. |
Sales tax on common amounts
| Purchase | Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.60 | $10.60 |
| $50 | $3.00 | $53.00 |
| $100 | $6.00 | $106.00 |
| $250 | $15.00 | $265.00 |
| $500 | $30.00 | $530.00 |
| $1,000 | $60.00 | $1060.00 |
| $5,000 | $300.00 | $5300.00 |
| $10,000 | $600.00 | $10600.00 |
Border shopping — neighboring states
For larger purchases, driving to a neighboring state with lower sales tax can save real money. Top metro sales tax in each contiguous neighbor of District of Columbia.
| State | Reference city | Rate | vs Georgetown | $1,000 savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia (current) | Georgetown | 6.00% | — | — |
| Maryland | Baltimore | 6.00% | +0.00% | — |
| Virginia | Virginia Beach | 6.00% | +0.00% | — |
Use tax (state where you live) may still apply on out-of-state purchases for items shipped or for registered goods like vehicles. For everyday retail walked across the border, savings are realized at point of sale.
Other cities in District of Columbia
Common questions
- What is the total sales tax rate in Georgetown?
- Georgetown, District of Columbia charges a combined sales tax of 6.00%. That's 6.00% state tax plus 0.00% local (county + city + special district) on top.
- Are groceries taxed in Georgetown?
- District of Columbia exempts unprepared groceries from state sales tax. Hot or prepared food (deli, restaurant, hot bar) is still taxable at the full combined rate.
- Is clothing taxed in Georgetown?
- Yes — District of Columbia taxes clothing at the full combined rate of 6.00%.
- How do I save on sales tax when shopping in Georgetown?
- Three levers: (1) shop online from a state with no sales tax, (2) buy exempt categories (groceries, prescription drugs), (3) drive across the border if a nearby state has a lower rate.
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Local sales tax rates change frequently and may include special district levies not modeled here. Verify with the retailer or local taxing authority for large purchases. Category exemption rules and tax holidays change by year — check the District of Columbia Department of Revenue for current rules. Methodology → District of Columbia state rate →
Sources
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy