Aug 6, 2025 - Food and Drink
Washington state's beer taxes are middle-of-the-pack
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The taxes you pay on beer in Washington are lower than in many U.S. states, but far from the lowest in the country, per an analysis by the Tax Foundation.
Zoom in: Washington's beer taxes amounted to $0.26 per gallon — the 25th highest rate among U.S. states, according to the Washington, D.C-based think tank.
- That's far less than the taxes imposed in Tennessee (about $1.29 per gallon), Alaska ($1.07) and Hawai'i ($0.93), which have the highest overall state taxes on beer.
What they did: The analysis calculated total state taxes imposed on off-premises sales of 4.7% ABV beer in 12 oz. containers imported from outside the state.
Between the lines: Some states tax beer differently based on its strength, the size of the container, where it's purchased, and other factors.
- Using a standardized unit allows for better cross-state comparisons.