How much does a website cost in Washington State?

1. §1

   Custom website development is taxed since October 1, 2025

   Under ESSB 5814, Washington has treated the design, development and support of a website as a retail sale since October 1, 2025. That covers work on new and existing sites, and consulting or training that supports how a site works. Web hosting and domain name registration are left out. The Department of Revenue notes it is in legal proceedings over these changes and asks taxpayers to follow current guidance. Ask every studio whether its price includes Washington sales tax.

   Official source Washington State Department of Revenue · Custom website development
2. §2

   The rate follows where you receive the work

   Washington sales tax is destination-based: retailers collect at the rate for where the customer receives the goods or services, which is the 6.5% state rate plus the local rate. Because website work is usually delivered remotely, the Department of Revenue's guidance treats it as received at the client's business address when the place of receipt is unknown. Check that a quote uses the rate for your address.

   Official source Washington State Department of Revenue · Interim guidance statement regarding changes made by ESSB 5814 – custom website development services
3. §3

   If the seller does not collect, use tax may be due

   Washington's use tax applies to goods and certain services used in the state when sales tax was not paid, for example when buying from a business that is not required to register and collect Washington sales tax. Businesses report it on their excise tax return. If a studio does not charge Washington tax, ask it why in writing and check with the Department of Revenue whether you owe use tax.

   Official source Washington State Department of Revenue · Use tax
4. §4

   Advertising bundled with a site is taxed too

   ESSB 5814 also made advertising services taxable from October 1, 2025, including ad design, ad placement, campaign planning, lead generation and buying ad space on the internet. A quote that bundles a site with ads may be taxed in more than one part, so ask for each part to be priced on its own line.

   Official source Washington State Department of Revenue · Services newly subject to retail sales tax
5. §5

   Contracts signed before October 1, 2025

   If the full contract price was paid before October 1, 2025, the Department of Revenue treats the sale as made before that date, so it is not taxed. Unpaid amounts on unchanged contracts kept the old treatment only through March 31, 2026. A contract that is materially changed, for example in its work or amount, becomes taxable when it is altered. Check with the department if your contract is older.

   Official source Washington State Department of Revenue · Interim guidance statement regarding contracts existing prior to October 1, 2025, and changes made by ESSB 5814
6. §6

   My Health My Data Act for sites that collect health data

   If your site collects consumer health data from people in Washington, the My Health My Data Act requires you to publish a consumer health data privacy policy behind a separate and distinct link on your homepage. Small businesses have had to comply since June 30, 2024. A violation is a per se violation of the Consumer Protection Act, enforced by the Attorney General and through private action. Ask your developer what your forms and tracking collect.

   Official source Washington State Office of the Attorney General · Protecting Washingtonians' personal health data and privacy

This is a builder's checklist, not legal or regulatory advice. Guidance changes, so check your regulator's current pages; we build the pages it asks for and make them easy for you to keep up to date.