Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Washington Democrats Advance 9.9% Millionaires’ Tax as Hearings Begin

With legal challenges looming, the governor seeks more relief for residents.

Overview

  • Companion bills SB 6346 and HB 2724 would tax only household income above $1 million at 9.9% starting in 2028, with a Senate Ways & Means hearing set for Feb. 6.
  • Sponsors estimate roughly $3.5–$3.7 billion in yearly revenue for education, health care and tax changes, including a cut to sales taxes on hygiene products, an expanded Working Families Tax Credit and a 2029 B&O tax exemption for small firms under $250,000 in receipts.
  • Gov. Bob Ferguson supports taxing high earners in principle but opposes the current draft, saying it does not return enough to residents.
  • State Superintendent Chris Reykdal urges passage and proposes directing about $1.4 billion to property tax relief, $861 million to broaden K‑12 services and $760 million to cover two years of college tuition.
  • Roughly 30,000 taxpayers—about 0.5% of residents—would be affected, and the measure is expected to draw court challenges and possibly a public vote given longstanding income‑tax limits and a 2024 statutory ban.