Travel Biz

How the Airbnb Tax Could Change Washington Travel

A new law didn’t make it on the books this year, but it’s poised to shift vacation rentals and destination communities.

08/06/2025 By Adam Willems

News You Can Use

Washingtonians Can Now File Their Taxes Directly with the IRS—for Free

The new Direct File pilot program is available in 12 states, including this one.

03/04/2024 By Eric Nusbaum

Wonk Wagers

Seattle’s New Payroll Tax Is a Gamble

City council's latest business legislation levies companies the region is counting on to lead its recovery. Will they stay?

07/21/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

News Wire

Amazon Reveals Its 2019 Financials as Olympia Weighs Big Business Tax

The tech giant's federal income taxes aren't staggering, but its other numbers are.

02/03/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

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

Snap Judgment

Should Seattle Eliminate Its ‘Tampon Tax’?

Seattle City Council member Teresa Mosqueda wants to stop retailers from charging sales tax for menstrual products—and she could take the fight to the state.

12/18/2018 By Anne Dennon

Snap Judgment

Should Seattle Stop Pursuing New Taxes?

Mayor Jenny Durkan says she doesn’t want them. But the city also predicts its revenues will slow down in the next few years.

11/20/2018 By Christina Ausley

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

Last Week in Politics

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

Snap Judgment

Should Sound Transit Rethink the Car Tab Increase?

Voters approved the Sound Transit 3 plan in November 2016, continuing the old—some would say “inflated”—car valuation system and added a tax increase of 0.8 percent. A necessary tax or are Seattle residents being taken for a ride?

05/15/2017 By Liz Weber