The Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) sales tax will increase five-tenths of one percent to a total of nine-tenths of one percent on April 1.

The 0.5 percent increase was approved by voters last November. It will be used to expand and coordinate light-rail, commuter-rail and express bus service, and improve access to transit facilities in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties. The rate increase applies to the majority of urban areas in those counties.

Overall, general sales tax rates will be up to 9.5 percent in King County, 9.4 percent in Snohomish County and 9.3 percent in Pierce County. Rates depend on exact locations and taxing districts.

The Department provides a sales tax rate lookup tool accessible from http://dor.wa.gov.

Questions about the rate change also can be directed to the Department’s toll-free help line, 1-800-647-7706.