Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy

Washington

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Equitable (and Less Equitable) Washington State Revenue Raisers

April 24, 2025 • By Dylan Grundman O'Neill

Washington state came into the year with strong tax justice momentum. Lawmakers’ innovative Capital Gains Excise Tax on the state’s highest-income households was upheld by the state and federal Supreme Courts and was overwhelmingly affirmed by voters despite a well-funded repeal effort. The new tax is bringing in much-needed revenue for schools, child care, and […]

ITEP Work in Action  

ITEP’s Who Pays? Cited in Washington Bill Creating Financial Intangibles Tax

March 24, 2025 • By ITEP Staff

Senate Democratic leaders in Washington state have introduced a series of bills aimed at making the state’s tax code more balanced. In the bill text for a new financial intangibles tax, ITEP’s Who Pays? report is cited: “Washington’s tax system remains the second most regressive in the nation as it asks those with the least […]

ITEP Work in Action  

Washington State Budget & Policy Center: The Truth About Washington’s Revenue Shortfall

March 14, 2025 • By ITEP Staff

During the 2025 legislative session, Washington state lawmakers face a budget shortfall that threatens funding for the public programs we all rely on. Read more.

ITEP Work in Action  

Gov. Jay Inslee: Gov. Inslee Releases Future-Focused Budget Proposal

December 18, 2024 • By ITEP Staff

Today, Gov. Jay Inslee released a balanced budget proposal that protects progress on the programs and services that working families and businesses depend on — public safety, education, early learning, housing and behavioral health. Read more.

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2024 State Tax Ballot Questions: Voters to Weigh in on Tax Changes Big and Small

October 17, 2024 • By Jon Whiten

As we approach November’s election, voters in several states will be weighing in on tax policy changes. The outcomes will impact the equity of state and local tax systems and the adequacy of the revenue those systems are able to raise to fund public services.

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Moving the Needle Toward Tax Fairness in the States

March 4, 2024 • By Jon Whiten

While many state lawmakers have spent the past few years debating deep and damaging tax cuts that disproportionately help the rich, more forward-thinking lawmakers have improved tax equity by raising new revenue from the well-off and creating or expanding refundable tax credits for low- and moderate-income families.

ITEP Work in Action  

Washington State House Democrats: WA Improves Tax Equity Based On New Report

January 15, 2024 • By ITEP Staff

Washington’s tax system is becoming more fair for working families. Read more.

ITEP Work in Action  

Washington State Supreme Court: Opinion Upholding Capital Gains Excise Tax

March 24, 2023 • By ITEP Staff

In 2021, the Washington Legislature enacted a capital gains tax, levied at a rate of seven percent on the sale or exchange of certain long-term capital assets. Read more. (See pages 4 and 11 for ITEP citations)

ITEP Work in Action  

Washington State Budget & Policy Center: New Reforms Bring Balance and Equity to State’s Tax Code and Economy

July 9, 2021 • By ITEP Staff

People seeking a more equitable state tax code and stronger supports for parents scored major victories earlier this year in Washington state, after more than a decade of hard work and focused advocacy by community leaders. By enacting a new excise tax on extraordinary stock profits (capital gains) and an expansive new tax credit for […]