OLYMPIA, Wash. — The first-ever income tax in Washington state is closer to reality after an executive committee voted to advance the bill to a full vote before the end of the legislative session.
On Friday morning, the House Finance Committee argued for and against the creation of the state’s first income tax.
If signed by the governor, the new income tax would be 9.9% for people who earn more than $ 1 million annually.
The first $1 million of someone’s income would be deducted. Anything in excess of $1 million would be subject to the tax.
During Friday’s executive session, lawmakers passed amendments to the bill, including removing sales tax from items such as diapers.
Amendments voted down involved family farms and couples who file their taxes separately.
Also voted down was an amendment that would put the tax before voters.
In the end, the committee voted to advance the bill for a vote on the House floor.
It is not yet known what Gov. Bob Ferguson thinks of the changes to the bill, but in the past, he said he supports the idea of an income tax on high earners, but that changes to the bill would have to be made.
A full House floor vote could happen as early as next week.