From Seattletimes · · 1m 40s
WA Millionaires Tax Upheld in Vote
Washington voters upheld a 9.9% tax on incomes over $1 million, facing legal challenges to its constitutionality.
In brief
Washington voters upheld a 9.9% tax on incomes over $1 million, facing legal challenges to its constitutionality. Washington voters approved a 9.9% tax on household incomes above $1 million, which now faces a constitutional challenge. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Voters approve WA millionaires tax
Washington voters upheld a 9.9% tax on household incomes above $1 million by wide margin.
Legal battle over tax constitutionality
The tax faces a high-profile legal challenge claiming it violates the state constitution.
Feb 5 court hearing
A Klickitat County Superior Court hearing is scheduled for February 5 to review the tax's constitutionality.
Tax supporters' goals
Supporters hope the tax will be upheld by the state Supreme Court to close a state budget gap without cuts.
Tax revenue projections
The tax could bring in over $3 billion annually from 25,000 households starting in 2029.
Opponents' concerns
Opponents argue the tax could cause high earners to flee Washington for lower-tax states.
Culliton vs. Chase ruling
The 1933 Culliton vs. Chase decision blocked income taxes in Washington for decades.
Tax constitutionality arguments
Plaintiffs claim the tax violates constitutional property tax limits and is graduated.
State defense strategy
The state attorney general's office defends the tax as constitutional and expects to win in court.
Legal experts' view
Legal experts say the high court may revisit the 93-year-old Culliton ruling to resolve the tax debate.
No in-between outcome
The court must decide whether income taxes are property or the tax is unconstitutional.
In short
Washington voters approved a 9.9% tax on household incomes above $1 million, which now faces a constitutional challenge.
