Important Sales Tax Changes on Classes & Events on Oct 1, 2025
Updated October 1, 2025
Beginning Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a new Washington State law (ESSB
5814)
will take effect, requiring us to collect sales tax on many of our classes and events. This statewide change applies to all cultural
organizations, including nonprofits like Alliance Française de Seattle. Starting October 1, 2025, sales tax will automatically be added to
eligible purchases when you check out on our website. All purchases made before October 1, 2025 will not be charged a sales
tax.
Starting October 1, 2025, Sales Taxes will apply to:
-
All paid collective courses
- If you’re attending in person, the Seattle sales tax rate (10.35%) will apply.
-
If you’re taking an online class, your sales tax will be based on your billing address.You’ll now need a membership to enroll in online courses—this allows us to waive sales tax for students.
-
Paid events that aim to educate
- Baking classes, dictées (paid events for non-members), Sip & Paint, Drink & Draw, etc.
- Memberships
- Private and semi-private courses
- Gift certificates (however, purchases of classes or instructional events made with a certificate will include sales tax if applicable).
- Free events and classes
- Language tests and exams (DELF/DALF, TEF, etc)
- Non-instructional events such as Ciné-Salon, Wine Tasting, Galette des rois, etc.
If you registered and paid before October 1, 2025, you will not be subject to sales tax (no matter when the course or event takes place).
For more information about this new legislation, visit the Washington State Department of Revenue website. Read More…
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