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Laundry Service Taxes Explained Simply
WashingtonWednesday, May 13, 2026
The state tax office has issued updated guidance on how laundry businesses must handle taxes, covering both the Business and Occupation (B&O) tax and retail sales tax.
Key Points
- Eight Service Categories
The guidance lists eight types of services, including: - Changing clothes
- Cleaning clothes
Supplying linens
B&O Tax Classification
Most of these services fall under the retail category for B&O tax purposes.Separate Sales Tax
Customers must pay an additional sales tax when purchasing a service.
Special Cases
Wholesale Transactions
If a laundry shop sells to another business for resale, different rules apply.- Other Activities
- Picking up and dropping off clothes
- Selling items from a vending machine
Each of these has its own tax rules.
Practical Takeaway
Laundry businesses need to:
- Identify which taxes apply to each service.
- Keep accurate records.
- Follow the new rules closely to avoid penalties.
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