Annual data from the U.S. Census Bureau appear to lend support to Washington’s reputation as a “low tax state,” ranking it 36th nationally in taxes collected as a share of personal income.1 But focusing on the state’s overall tax revenues has led many observers to overlook the fact that different taxpayers experience Washington’s tax system very differently. In particular, the poorest 20 percent of Washington residents pay significantly more of their income (16.8 percent) in state and local taxes than any other group in the state. For low-income families, Washington is far from being a low tax state.2 In fact, Washington is the highest tax state in the country for poor people.
Publications
-
report September 17, 2015 Low Tax for Whom?: Washington is a “Low Tax State” Overall, But Not for Families Living in Poverty
-
report September 19, 2013 Washington is a “Low Tax State” Overall, But Not for Families Living in Poverty
Read the Report in PDF Form See all “Low Tax for Who?” states New data from the Census Bureau appear to lend support to Washington’s reputation as a “low tax… -
report August 14, 2011 Washington is a Low Tax State, But Not for Families Living in Poverty
Data from the Census Bureau shows that overall, Washington could be considered a “low tax state.” However, families living near or below the poverty line generally do not experience Washington… -
report September 15, 2010 Census Data Reveal Washington’s Fundamental Tax Mismatch: Washington is a Low Tax State, But Not for Families Living in Poverty
Recently released data from the Census Bureau confirms that overall Washington could be considered a “low tax state.” However, families living near or below the poverty line generally do not… -
report August 17, 2004 The Impact of the Ron Sims Tax Plan on Washington Tax Fairness
Washington’s tax system is regressive, requiring low- and middle-income families to pay far more of their income in tax than wealthier Washingtonians. A tax reform plan recently proposed by gubernatorial…