Progressive Taxation

Democratic Lawmakers Push a Sales Tax Exemption for Low-Income Households

State lawmakers already approved this program in 2008—but then the recession hit. It was never fully funded.

02/07/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Progressive Taxation

Should Washington Ditch a "Tampon Tax"? Here's Why It's Complicated.

Council member Teresa Mosqueda wants Seattle to lead by exempting menstrual products from the sales tax.

02/01/2019 By Anne Dennon

Progressive Taxation

Report: Washington State Taxes Are Still the Most Inequitable in the Country

Families who make less than $24,000 a year—the poorest 20 percent of the state—pay an estimated 17.8 percent of their income toward taxes.

10/17/2018 By Hayat Norimine and Christina Ausley

Explainer

Here's What Taxing Seattle's Richest Residents Would Look Like

In July, the Seattle City Council unanimously approved a city income tax, which could help ease the burden on low-income earners. Assuming the bill passes legal muster—and there's a chance it won't—here's how it will work.

08/22/2017 By Hayat Norimine

City Council

A Change to Income Tax Bill Pits Sawant Against González, Herbold

The city council unanimously passed the city income tax legislation on Monday.

07/10/2017 By Hayat Norimine

City Council

Seattle Income Tax Heads to Council for a Vote

The city council approved the bill out of the finance committee on Wednesday.

07/05/2017 By Hayat Norimine

City Hall

8 Questions Answered About Seattle's Proposed Income Tax

Understanding the city's proposed income tax.

06/16/2017 Photography by Hayat Norimine

City Hall

City Releases Its Income Tax Proposal

The council will hold a public hearing Wednesday morning.

06/13/2017 By Hayat Norimine

City Hall

Seattle City Council Passes Resolution for an Income Tax

A study released earlier this year said the state would've raised another $4.2 billion with a 10.5 percent personal income tax.

05/01/2017 By Hayat Norimine

Income Tax

4 Legal Challenges to Keep in Mind About the Income Tax

What exactly will the legal fight look like?

04/26/2017 By Hayat Norimine

Income Tax

Herbold Wants to Pass Income Tax Legislation by July 10

The council member says the decisions will be based on what council thinks would provide the "strongest legal path forward."

04/24/2017 By Hayat Norimine

2017 Elections

First the City, Then the State: The Fight for an Income Tax Begins (Again)

Advocates for the income tax want the city's legislation to make it to the state Supreme Court.

04/21/2017 By Hayat Norimine

Morning Fizz

Centerpiece of Sawant's Reelection Platform Aspirational and Likely Unconstitutional

A "misleading" campaign pledge, a contrarian campaign position, and an arty campaign endorsement.

10/07/2015 By Josh Feit

Morning Fizz

Perhaps the Democrats Should

Tuesday Edition. Caffeinated news & gossip featuring tolling, the death penalty, the attorney general, emergency contraception.

01/17/2012 By Morning Fizz

This Washington

Freshman Democrats Introduce 1 Percent Income Tax Proposal

Two freshman Democrats propose sweeping changes to the state's tax structure. Image via Economic Opportunity Institute.

01/05/2012 By Erica C. Barnett

Jolt

Wednesday Jolt: Patty Murray On Plan B and Taxes

The day's winners and losers.

12/07/2011 By Afternoon Jolt

ThinkTank

Progressives Debate Sales Tax

Is a proposed sales tax a regressive hit on working people, or the only way out of the state budget crisis? And what about an income tax? We asked activist Dorli Rainey (anti sales tax) to debate the lefty Washington Budget & Policy Center (pro) for this

12/06/2011 By Erica C. Barnett

On Other Blogs

Nick Hanauer: Raise My Taxes

Seattle venture capitalist Nick Hanauer: Tax me, not the middle class.

12/02/2011 By Erica C. Barnett

City Hall

Latest Pro-Occupy Resolution Includes Possible City Income Tax, Restrictions on Contractors

The latest version of city council member Nick Licata's resolution supporting the Occupy Seattle/Occupy Wall Street movement commits the city to reviewing its banking practices, considering new restrictions on city contractors, and possibly asking the sta

10/20/2011 By Erica C. Barnett

News

Campaign Fizz: "A Campaign Promise to Comcast"

Your one-stop shop for today's local campaign news, gossip, and analysis.

09/29/2011 By Erica C. Barnett