// Exemption

Over-the-counter drugs that sold by prescription

Retail Sales & Use Tax exemption · RCW 82.08.940; 82.12.940 · enacted 2003

All exemptions & deductions

Details

Citation
RCW 82.08.940; 82.12.940
Study reference
E1680-1
Tax type
Retail Sales & Use Tax
Preference type
Exemption
Category
Individuals
Year enacted
2003
End date
None scheduled

Fiscal impact (2024 study estimates)

Revenue if repealed — local ($M)
FY 2024: 0 · FY 2025: 17.37 · FY 2026: 19.14 · FY 2027: 19.33
Revenue if repealed — state ($M)
FY 2024: 0 · FY 2025: 38.62 · FY 2026: 42.56 · FY 2027: 42.98
Taxpayer savings — local ($M)
FY 2024: 18.77 · FY 2025: 18.95 · FY 2026: 19.14 · FY 2027: 19.33
Taxpayer savings — state ($M)
FY 2024: 41.74 · FY 2025: 42.13 · FY 2026: 42.56 · FY 2027: 42.98

CTI = confidential taxpayer information · D = unable to disclose

From the 2024 DOR Tax Exemption Study

Home Education Industry Guides Podiatric Physicians Retail Sales Tax/retailing B&O Tax Print Retail sales tax/retailing B&O tax All sales of personal goods or charges for retail services to a consumer are subject to retail sales tax and are taxable under the retailing B&O tax classification. Transactions subject to retail sales tax Podiatric physicians must pay retail sales tax on items purchased for their own use, unless the purchase is tax exempt (e.g., prosthetics and prescription drugs). When items are used/consumed in providing medical services to patients, the doctor is considered the end user, not the patient. Examples of taxable products include, but are not limited to: Medical supplies: Lab supplies Empty tubes, syringes, and vials Liquids (alcohol, iodine, and peroxide) X-rays and x-ray processing chemical Durable medical equipment: Reusable delivery syringes Medical gas tanks, pump machines, and related parts, except oxygen delivery systems for patient. Consumables: Masks, synthetic gloves Toilet paper Bandages Cotton gauze Items sent home with patients Office equipment, software, and supplies: Computers, printers Charts, paper Computer equipment Prewritten software and

Does this apply to you?

This is reference data from the 2024 study — not advice, and 2025–26 legislation may have changed it. Three ways to go deeper: