Washington Income Tax Rates & Brackets (Tax Year 2025 — Filed in 2026)
⚠️Informational only — not legal or tax advice.
Tax year covered: 2025 (returns filed in 2026)
Applies to: Income earned January 1 – December 31, 2025
Returns filed: N/A – Washington has no state income tax
Last verified: February 16, 2026
Table of Contents
- Quick Reference
- Key Takeaways
- Quick Questions
- Washington's No-Income-Tax Status
- Washington's Alternative Tax Structure
- Implications for Washington Residents
- Statutory Authority
- Who Must File Washington Income Tax
- Tax Implications for Remote Workers
- Special Considerations for Washington Residents
- Military Personnel
- Retirees
- Students
- Multi-State Tax Issues for Washington Residents
- Capital Gains Excise Tax (Limited Scope)
- Common Questions and Misconceptions
- Federal Income Tax Considerations for Washington Residents
- Information Verification Log
- Official Resources
- Tax Glossary
- Where to Check for Updates
- Update History
Quick Reference
Does Washington have income tax? No
Tax structure: None – no state income tax
Tax rates: 0%
Standard deduction (Single): N/A
Standard deduction (Married): N/A
Local income tax: No
Official source: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/income-tax
Key Takeaways
- No state income tax: Washington does not impose an individual or corporate income tax
- Constitutional basis: Washington Supreme Court rulings since 1933 have determined that a graduated income tax would violate the state constitution’s uniformity requirements
- Alternative revenue sources: Washington relies on sales tax, business and occupation (B&O) tax, and property tax instead of income tax
- One of seven states: Washington is one of only seven states with no individual income tax
- No filing requirement: Washington residents do not file state income tax returns
- Federal tax only: Washington residents file federal income tax returns with the IRS but no state return
Quick Questions About Washington Income Tax
What is the Washington state income tax rate for 2025? Washington has no state income tax. The state does not impose an individual or corporate income tax on residents or non-residents.
Does Washington have state income tax? No. Washington state does not have an individual or corporate income tax. The state relies on other revenue sources including retail sales tax, business and occupation (B&O) tax, and property tax.
What are the income tax brackets in Washington? There are no income tax brackets in Washington because the state does not have an income tax.
Is Social Security taxed in Washington? No. Social Security benefits are not taxed by Washington state because there is no state income tax.
Does Washington tax retirement income? No. Washington does not tax retirement income including pensions, 401(k) distributions, or IRA withdrawals because the state has no income tax.
Do I need to file a Washington state income tax return? No. Washington residents do not file state income tax returns. However, you must still file federal income tax returns with the IRS.
Washington's No-Income-Tax Status
Constitutional and Historical Background
Washington is one of seven states in the United States that does not impose a state income tax on individuals. This status has existed since 1933 and is rooted in both constitutional interpretation and legislative history.
The 1933 Supreme Court Decision
In September 1933, the Washington State Supreme Court struck down a graduated income tax in Culliton v. Chase, 174 Wash. 363, 25 P.2d 81 (1933). The Court ruled by a 5-4 vote that a graduated income tax was an unconstitutionally nonuniform “property tax” that violated the state constitution’s uniformity requirements.
Key holdings from 1933:
- Income was deemed to constitute “property” under the Washington Constitution
- A graduated tax on income violated the constitutional requirement that all taxes be uniform upon the same class of property
- The ruling effectively prohibited a graduated income tax structure
Source: https://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/pdf/1007698.pdf
Constitutional Framework: Article VII, Section 1
The Washington State Constitution, Article VII, Section 1, as amended in 1930 (Amendment 14), requires:
“All taxes shall be uniform upon the same class of property within the territorial limits of the authority levying the tax and shall be levied and collected for public purposes only. The word ‘property’ as used herein shall mean and include everything, whether tangible or intangible, subject to ownership.”
This uniformity requirement, combined with the Supreme Court’s interpretation that income constitutes property, has created a constitutional barrier to graduated income taxation in Washington.
Source: https://leg.wa.gov/state-laws-and-rules/washington-state-constitution/
Legislative History
1932: An initiative approved by voters (70% yes vote) provided for a graduated income tax.
1933: The Legislature enacted the graduated income tax, but the Washington Supreme Court struck it down in Culliton v. Chase.
1933: The same year, the Court upheld Washington’s Business and Occupation (B&O) tax as a valid “excise tax” on the privilege of doing business, distinguishing it from an income tax.
1935: Recognizing that the B&O tax alone would not fund state government long-term, the Legislature enacted the comprehensive Revenue Act of 1935, which established Washington’s current tax structure based on sales tax, B&O tax, and property tax—but no income tax.
1935: Additional attempts to enact income taxes (labeled as “privilege taxes”) were also struck down by the Supreme Court.
Subsequent decades: Various attempts to enact income taxes through legislation or constitutional amendment have all failed, either in the legislature, by voter rejection, or by court invalidation.
Source: https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/Chapter_3.pdf
States Without Income Tax
Washington is one of only seven states that does not impose a state income tax on individuals:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Nevada
- South Dakota
- Tennessee (limited to interest and dividends only)
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
Additionally, New Hampshire taxes only interest and dividend income, not wages or salaries.
Of these states, only five impose no form of income tax whatsoever: Washington, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. Alaska and Florida have corporate income taxes but not personal income taxes.
Source: https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/Chapter_3.pdf and https://dor.wa.gov/about/statistics-reports/comparative-state-and-local-taxes
Washington's Alternative Tax Structure
How Washington Funds State Government
Without an income tax, Washington relies on three primary revenue sources:
1. Retail Sales Tax
Washington has one of the highest state and local sales tax rates in the nation. The state sales tax rate is 6.5%, with local jurisdictions adding additional amounts. Combined state and local sales tax rates can reach 10.4% in some areas.
Source: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates
2. Business and Occupation (B&O) Tax
The B&O tax is a gross receipts tax measured on the value of products, gross proceeds of sale, or gross income of business. Unlike income taxes in other states, the B&O tax is levied on gross receipts rather than net income and is classified as an excise tax on the privilege of doing business in Washington.
Source: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/business-occupation-tax
3. Property Tax
Washington levies property taxes on real estate and certain personal property. Both state and local governments use property tax as a revenue source. The state constitution limits the aggregate property tax rate to 1% of true and fair value, with additional voter-approved levies permitted.
Source: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates
Tax Burden Comparison
Despite having no income tax, Washington’s overall state and local tax burden ranks in the middle nationally when measured as a percentage of personal income. The state’s heavy reliance on sales taxes is balanced by the complete absence of income tax.
According to the Washington Department of Revenue’s comparative analysis:
- Washington relies on sales taxes (including gross receipts taxes) for 47.6% of total state and local tax revenues
- Property taxes represent 26.8% of total taxes in Washington
- Income taxes generate 0% of state and local tax revenues (compared to over 25% nationally)
Source: https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/Comparative_2022_1.pdf
Implications for Washington Residents
No State Tax Filing Required
Washington residents do not file state income tax returns. There are no state tax forms to complete, no state withholding from paychecks (though federal withholding still applies), and no state tax filing deadlines.
Federal Income Tax Still Applies
While Washington has no state income tax, residents must still comply with federal income tax requirements:
- File federal income tax returns with the IRS
- Pay federal income taxes based on federal tax brackets
- Make quarterly estimated tax payments if required
- Report all income subject to federal taxation
Source: https://www.irs.gov
Federal Tax Deduction Consideration
Washington residents who itemize deductions on their federal tax returns cannot deduct state income taxes (since there are none). However, they may deduct state and local sales taxes under federal tax law, subject to federal limitations.
Prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Washington residents could deduct state sales taxes as an alternative to state income tax deductions. The TCJA maintained this provision but capped the total state and local tax (SALT) deduction at $10,000 per household.
Source: IRS Publication 600 and IRS Schedule A instructions
Statutory Authority
Constitutional Provisions
Washington State Constitution, Article VII, Section 1 (Amendment 14, adopted 1930):
Authority for state taxation is granted with uniformity requirements:
“The power of taxation shall never be suspended, surrendered or contracted away. All taxes shall be uniform upon the same class of property within the territorial limits of the authority levying the tax and shall be levied and collected for public purposes only. The word ‘property’ as used herein shall mean and include everything, whether tangible or intangible, subject to ownership.”
Source: https://leg.wa.gov/state-laws-and-rules/washington-state-constitution/
Supreme Court Precedents
Culliton v. Chase, 174 Wash. 363, 25 P.2d 81 (1933):
- Struck down graduated income tax as unconstitutional
- Determined that income constitutes “property” under the state constitution
- Held that graduated taxation violates uniformity requirements
Stiner v. Yelle, 174 Wash. 402, 25 P.2d 91 (1933):
- Upheld Business and Occupation tax as valid excise tax
- Distinguished between property tax (on income) and excise tax (on privilege of doing business)
- Established that B&O tax does not concern itself with income which has been acquired but relates to the privilege of engaging in business
Source: https://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/pdf/1007698.pdf
Statutory Code
Washington does not have state tax code sections imposing individual income tax. The relevant code sections address the taxes Washington does levy:
Title 82 RCW – Excise Taxes:
- Chapter 82.04 RCW: Business and Occupation Tax
- Chapter 82.08 RCW: Retail Sales Tax
- Chapter 82.12 RCW: Use Tax
Title 84 RCW – Property Taxes:
- Property tax assessment and levy provisions
Source: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/
Who Must File Washington Income Tax
No Filing Requirement for Residents
Washington residents do not file state income tax returns because Washington does not have a state income tax.
What this means:
- No state income tax forms to complete
- No state filing deadlines
- No state tax payments or refunds
- No state withholding from paychecks (federal withholding still applies)
Federal Tax Filing Still Required
While Washington has no state income tax, residents must still file federal income tax returns with the IRS if they meet federal filing thresholds.
Federal filing generally required if:
- Single taxpayers with gross income over $14,600 (2025 tax year, filed in 2026)
- Married filing jointly with gross income over $29,200
- Other filing thresholds based on filing status and age
Source: IRS Publication 17
Part-Year Residents
Individuals who moved to or from Washington during the year do not file a Washington state income tax return. However, if they lived in a state with income tax during part of the year, they must file a part-year resident return with that other state.
Example: An individual who lived in California from January through June and then moved to Washington in July must:
- File a California part-year resident return reporting income earned while a California resident (January-June)
- Does NOT file a Washington state return for the remainder of the year
- Files a federal return reporting all income for the entire year
Non-Residents
Non-residents who work in Washington or have income from Washington sources do not file Washington state income tax returns because Washington has no state income tax.
What this means for non-residents:
- No Washington state tax on wages earned in Washington
- No Washington state tax on business income from Washington operations
- No Washington state tax on rental income from Washington property
Important note for residents of other states: If you live in a state with income tax and work in Washington, you may owe income tax to your home state on the income earned in Washington, depending on your home state’s tax laws.
Tax Implications for Remote Workers
Living in Washington, Working for Out-of-State Employer
Washington residents working remotely for employers in other states do not owe Washington state income tax (because Washington has no income tax).
What this means:
- No Washington state tax regardless of where employer is located
- No Washington state withholding from paycheck
- Employer location does not create tax obligation to that state if work is performed in Washington
Important consideration: Some states with “convenience of the employer” rules (such as New York) may attempt to tax remote workers even if they perform work from Washington. Consult with a tax professional if working remotely for an employer in one of these states.
Source: State-specific tax authorities
Working in Washington, Living in Another State
Non-residents who perform work in Washington do not owe Washington state income tax because Washington has no income tax.
What this means:
- No Washington state tax on wages earned while working in Washington
- No Washington withholding from paychecks for Washington work
- Employers do not withhold Washington state tax (though they must still withhold federal tax)
Home state obligation: Non-residents who work in Washington typically owe income tax to their home state on income earned in Washington, subject to their home state’s tax laws and any available credits for taxes paid to other states.
Common scenario: Oregon residents working in Washington
- Pay no Washington state income tax on Washington wages
- Owe Oregon state income tax on all income including Washington wages
- May not claim credit on Oregon return for “taxes paid to Washington” (since none were paid)
Special Considerations for Washington Residents
Remote Work Advantages
Washington’s lack of income tax creates advantages for remote workers:
Benefit: Washington residents working remotely for companies based in other states generally avoid state income tax entirely on their wages (assuming the work is performed in Washington and the employer’s state does not have convenience of employer rules).
Example: A Washington resident working from home for a Texas-based company:
- Owes no Washington state income tax (Washington has none)
- Owes no Texas state income tax (Texas has no income tax and work performed in Washington)
- Pays only federal income tax
Cross-Border Employment
Washington shares borders with Oregon and Idaho, both of which have state income taxes. This creates specific tax situations for cross-border workers.
Washington Residents Working in Oregon
Washington residents who commute to Oregon for work:
- Pay no Washington state income tax (Washington has none)
- Must pay Oregon state income tax on Oregon-source wages
- File Oregon non-resident income tax return
- Oregon withholds state income tax from paychecks
No reciprocal agreement: Washington and Oregon do not have a reciprocal tax agreement. Oregon taxes non-residents on Oregon-source income.
Source: https://www.oregon.gov/dor/
Washington Residents Working in Idaho
Washington residents who commute to Idaho for work:
- Pay no Washington state income tax (Washington has none)
- Must pay Idaho state income tax on Idaho-source wages
- File Idaho non-resident income tax return
- Idaho withholds state income tax from paychecks
No reciprocal agreement: Washington and Idaho do not have reciprocal agreements.
Source: https://tax.idaho.gov/
Oregon/Idaho Residents Working in Washington
Oregon and Idaho residents who work in Washington:
- Pay no Washington state income tax (Washington has none)
- Owe income tax to their home state (Oregon or Idaho) on all income including Washington wages
- File resident return with home state reporting Washington income
- Cannot claim credit for “taxes paid to Washington” since Washington collects no income tax
Impact: These workers effectively pay income tax only to their home state, not to Washington where the work is performed.
Military Personnel
Active Duty Military in Washington
Active duty military members stationed in Washington due to military orders are not subject to Washington state income tax because Washington does not have a state income tax.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Implications:
Under federal law (SCRA), active duty military members stationed in a state due to military orders do not become residents of that state solely due to their military presence. However, since Washington has no income tax, SCRA protections regarding state income tax are not relevant for Washington.
What this means for military stationed in Washington:
- No Washington state income tax on military pay
- No Washington state income tax on other income
- Military pay from any source is not subject to Washington state taxation
- No state income tax returns to file with Washington
Source: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/income-tax
Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA)
The Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA) allows spouses of active duty military to maintain their home state residency for tax purposes. Since Washington has no state income tax, MSRRA protections are not applicable to Washington state taxation.
Scenario: Spouse of active duty servicemember moves to Washington
- Owes no Washington state income tax regardless of MSRRA status
- Does not file Washington state income tax return
- May maintain home state residency for other purposes (voting, driver’s license)
Military Retirement Pay
Washington does not tax military retirement pay because Washington has no state income tax.
Benefits for military retirees in Washington:
- All military retirement pay is free from state income tax
- No Washington state tax on survivor benefit plan (SBP) payments
- No Washington state tax on VA disability compensation
- No state income tax returns to file
Comparison advantage: Many states tax military retirement pay either fully or partially. Washington provides a significant tax advantage by having no income tax.
Military Members Who ARE Washington Residents
Military members who have established Washington as their legal domicile (home of record) and are stationed in other states:
- Owe no Washington state income tax (Washington has none)
- May owe income tax to the state where stationed, depending on that state’s laws and SCRA protections
- Should maintain documentation of Washington domicile (voter registration, driver’s license)
Source: https://dor.wa.gov/contact and IRS Publication 3
Retirees
Social Security Benefits
Washington does not tax Social Security benefits because Washington has no state income tax.
What this means:
- All Social Security retirement benefits are free from Washington state tax
- All Social Security disability benefits are free from Washington state tax
- All Social Security survivor benefits are free from Washington state tax
- No impact on federal taxation of Social Security (federal rules still apply)
Tax advantage: Among the 50 states, 41 states do not tax Social Security benefits (including the 9 states with no income tax or limited income taxes). Washington is among the states providing this benefit.
Source: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/income-tax
Pension Income
Washington does not tax pension income because Washington has no state income tax.
Private Pensions: All distributions from private pension plans are exempt from Washington state income tax, including:
- Traditional defined benefit pensions
- 401(k) distributions
- 403(b) distributions
- Traditional IRA distributions
- Roth IRA distributions (qualified and non-qualified)
- Annuity payments
Public Pensions: All distributions from public pension plans are exempt from Washington state income tax, including:
- Federal government pensions (including military retirement)
- State government pensions
- Local government pensions
- Public school teacher pensions
Out-of-state pensions: Washington does not tax pension income received by Washington residents from pension plans based in other states.
Source: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/income-tax
Retirement Account Distributions
Washington does not tax distributions from retirement accounts because Washington has no state income tax.
Tax treatment of retirement accounts:
- Traditional IRA distributions: Not subject to Washington state tax
- Roth IRA distributions: Not subject to Washington state tax
- 401(k) distributions: Not subject to Washington state tax
- 403(b) distributions: Not subject to Washington state tax
- 457 plan distributions: Not subject to Washington state tax
- SEP IRA distributions: Not subject to Washington state tax
- SIMPLE IRA distributions: Not subject to Washington state tax
Early withdrawal penalties: Federal early withdrawal penalties still apply to distributions before age 59½, but Washington imposes no additional state-level penalties or taxes.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Federal RMD requirements still apply at age 73 (for those born 1951-1959) or 75 (for those born 1960 or later), but Washington does not tax these distributions.
Source: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/income-tax and IRS Publication 590-B
Investment Income
Washington does not tax investment income because Washington has no state income tax.
Tax treatment of investment income:
- Interest income: Not subject to Washington state tax
- Dividend income: Not subject to Washington state tax
- Capital gains: Not subject to Washington state tax (with limited exception noted below)
- Rental income: Not subject to Washington state tax
Note on Washington Capital Gains Tax: In 2021, Washington enacted a capital gains excise tax (not classified as an income tax) of 7% on long-term capital gains exceeding $250,000 annually. This tax applies only to gains from the sale of stocks, bonds, and other long-term capital assets. It does not apply to:
- Real estate
- Retirement accounts
- Livestock
- Certain small business interests
This capital gains excise tax is separate from and does not constitute a general income tax.
Source: RCW 82.87 and https://dor.wa.gov/
Tax Advantage for Retirees
Washington provides significant tax advantages for retirees compared to many other states:
Benefits of retiring in Washington:
- No state tax on Social Security benefits
- No state tax on pension income
- No state tax on IRA/401(k) distributions
- No state tax on investment income (with limited capital gains exception)
- No state estate tax on estates under $2.193 million (2025)
Comparison: Many high-tax states impose income taxes of 5-13% on retirement income. Washington retirees avoid this entirely.
Students
College Students in Washington
College students attending school in Washington do not file Washington state income tax returns because Washington has no state income tax.
Tax implications for students:
- No Washington state income tax on wages earned from part-time work
- No Washington state income tax on scholarships/fellowships
- No Washington state income tax on summer internship wages
- No state tax withholding from paychecks
Residency considerations: Students attending college in Washington do not automatically become Washington residents for purposes other than taxation. Washington has no income tax, so state residency for tax purposes is not relevant.
However, students may need to establish Washington residency for:
- In-state tuition purposes (separate residency rules apply)
- Voter registration
- Driver’s license
Source: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/income-tax
Students from Other States
Students who maintain legal residence in another state while attending school in Washington:
- Owe no Washington state income tax on Washington-earned income
- May owe income tax to their home state on all income, including wages earned in Washington
- Should consult their home state’s tax rules regarding part-year residency and income sourcing
Common scenario: California resident attending University of Washington
- Earns $10,000 from part-time job in Seattle
- Owes no Washington state tax (Washington has none)
- Must report the $10,000 on California tax return as a California resident
- Pays California state income tax on the Washington-earned income
Scholarship and Fellowship Income
Washington does not tax scholarship or fellowship income because Washington has no state income tax.
Federal tax treatment still applies:
- Scholarships used for tuition and fees: Generally not taxable federally
- Scholarships used for room and board: Generally taxable federally
- Fellowships: Tax treatment depends on use and nature of fellowship
Source: IRS Publication 970
Multi-State Tax Issues for Washington Residents
Working in Multiple States
Washington residents who earn income in multiple states during the year:
Washington-source income:
- No Washington state tax (Washington has none)
Other state income:
- May owe income tax to other states where income was earned
- File non-resident returns with those states
- Cannot claim credit on Washington return for taxes paid to other states (since Washington has no income tax)
Example: Washington resident who:
- Works primary job in Washington: $80,000 (no state tax)
- Consulting project in California: $20,000 (owes California non-resident tax)
- Result: Pays California non-resident tax on $20,000, no Washington state tax on any income
Relocating To or From Washington
Moving TO Washington:
- File part-year resident return with former state for income earned before move
- No Washington state return to file after moving
- Continue filing federal returns
Moving FROM Washington:
- No Washington state return for period in Washington
- File part-year resident return with new state for income earned after move
- File federal return for entire year
Important timing: Establish exact date of domicile change for proper income allocation to each state.
Capital Gains Excise Tax (Limited Scope)
Washington’s Capital Gains Tax
In 2021, Washington enacted a 7% excise tax on long-term capital gains exceeding $250,000 annually. This tax is classified as an excise tax, not an income tax.
Scope of tax:
- Applies only to long-term capital gains (assets held more than one year)
- 7% rate on gains above $250,000 annual threshold
- Individual taxpayers only (not corporations)
What IS subject to capital gains excise tax:
- Sales of stocks and bonds
- Sales of business interests (with exceptions)
- Other long-term capital assets
What is NOT subject to capital gains excise tax:
- Real estate
- Assets held in retirement accounts
- Livestock
- Timber
- Certain small business stock qualifying for federal exclusion
- Gains under $250,000 threshold
Source: RCW 82.87 and https://dor.wa.gov/
Not a General Income Tax
The capital gains excise tax does NOT constitute a general income tax. Washington residents still:
- File no general state income tax return
- Pay no state tax on wages, salaries, or business income
- Pay no state tax on most investment income (interest, dividends, short-term gains)
- Pay no state tax on retirement distributions
Separate filing: Taxpayers subject to capital gains excise tax file a separate excise tax return (not an income tax return) reporting only the capital gains subject to the tax.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
“Do I need to file anything with Washington?”
Answer: No. Washington residents do not file state income tax returns. You must file federal income tax returns with the IRS if you meet federal filing thresholds, but there is no Washington state filing requirement.
“Can I get a Washington state tax refund?”
Answer: No. Since Washington has no state income tax and no state withholding, there are no Washington state tax refunds. You may receive federal tax refunds from the IRS.
“My employer withheld ‘state tax’ from my paycheck in Washington. Is that legal?”
Answer: This likely represents either:
- An error – employers should not withhold Washington state income tax (none exists)
- Withholding for another state where you may have tax obligations
- Deductions for other purposes mislabeled as “state tax”
Contact your employer immediately to clarify and correct any improper withholding.
“I moved to Washington mid-year. Do I file a part-year resident return?”
Answer: You do not file a part-year resident return with Washington (none exists). If you lived in a state with income tax before moving to Washington, you must file a part-year resident return with that other state for the period you lived there.
“I work remotely for a New York company from Washington. Do I owe New York tax?”
Answer: This depends on New York’s “convenience of the employer” rule. If your employer is based in New York and does not have a bona fide office in Washington, New York may claim you owe New York income tax even though you physically work in Washington. Consult a tax professional familiar with multi-state taxation.
“Do Washington residents pay lower overall taxes than residents of other states?”
Answer: It depends. Washington’s lack of income tax benefits some residents significantly (especially high-income individuals and retirees), but Washington’s high sales tax burden falls more heavily on lower-income residents. Overall tax burden varies by income level, spending patterns, and property ownership.
“Will Washington ever get an income tax?”
Answer: This is a policy question beyond the scope of factual tax documentation. Historically, attempts to enact an income tax have failed due to constitutional barriers, court rulings, and voter opposition. Any future income tax would likely require either:
- A constitutional amendment approved by voters, or
- A significant change in Washington Supreme Court interpretation of constitutional uniformity requirements
Federal Income Tax Considerations for Washington Residents
Federal Filing Requirements
Washington residents must file federal income tax returns if they meet IRS filing thresholds, regardless of Washington’s lack of state income tax.
| Federal filing thresholds for 2025 tax year (filed in 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Filing Status | Age | Gross Income Threshold |
| Single | Under 65 | $14,600 |
| Single | 65 or older | $16,550 |
| Married Filing Jointly | Both under 65 | $29,200 |
| Married Filing Jointly | One spouse 65+ | $30,750 |
| Married Filing Jointly | Both 65+ | $32,300 |
| Head of Household | Under 65 | $21,900 |
| Head of Household | 65 or older | $23,850 |
Source: IRS Revenue Procedure 2024-40 and IRS instructions
State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction
Washington residents who itemize deductions on federal Schedule A may deduct state and local taxes, subject to federal limitations.
SALT deduction options for Washington residents:
Since Washington has no income tax, residents may deduct:
- State and local sales taxes (instead of income taxes)
- State and local property taxes
Federal limitation: Total SALT deduction capped at $10,000 ($5,000 if married filing separately) under Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Sales tax deduction methods:
- Actual expenses: Keep receipts and deduct actual sales taxes paid
- IRS tables: Use optional IRS sales tax tables based on income and family size
Source: IRS Publication 600 and IRS Schedule A instructions
Federal Tax Advantages of Washington Residence
Washington residents receive certain federal tax advantages related to the state’s lack of income tax:
Advantage 1 – No Double Taxation: Washington residents avoid the economic double taxation present in states with income tax:
- Many states tax income that has already been subject to federal tax
- Washington residents pay only federal tax on their income
Advantage 2 – Sales Tax Deduction: Washington’s high sales tax rates can provide larger federal deductions than income tax deductions in some states (for taxpayers who itemize and are under the SALT cap).
Limitation: The $10,000 SALT cap limits the federal benefit of this deduction for high-income taxpayers with significant property taxes.
Self-Employment Tax
Washington’s lack of income tax does not affect federal self-employment tax obligations.
Self-employed individuals in Washington must:
- Pay federal self-employment tax (15.3% on net earnings)
- File federal Schedule C (business income)
- File federal Schedule SE (self-employment tax)
- Make quarterly estimated tax payments to IRS if owing $1,000 or more
No state self-employment tax: Washington does not impose additional self-employment tax beyond the Business and Occupation (B&O) tax on gross receipts.
Source: IRS Publication 334
Information Verification Log
| Information Type | Source | Last Verified |
|---|---|---|
| No income tax status | https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/income-tax | February 16, 2026 |
| Constitutional authority | https://leg.wa.gov/state-laws-and-rules/washington-state-constitution/ | February 16, 2026 |
| Supreme Court precedents | https://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/pdf/1007698.pdf | February 16, 2026 |
| Alternative tax structure | https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates | February 16, 2026 |
| States without income tax | https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/Chapter_3.pdf | February 16, 2026 |
| Tax burden comparisons | https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/Comparative_2022_1.pdf | February 16, 2026 |
Official Resources
Washington Department of Revenue
All information about Washington’s tax structure is available from the Washington State Department of Revenue.
Main Website: https://dor.wa.gov/
Income Tax Information: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/income-tax
Tax Rate Information: https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates
Publications: https://dor.wa.gov/forms-publications
Contact Information
Washington Department of Revenue
Phone: 360-705-6705
Toll-free: 1-800-647-7706
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Pacific Time
Email: Available through online contact form
Address:
Washington State Department of Revenue
PO Box 47478
Olympia, WA 98504-7478
Source: https://dor.wa.gov/contact
Washington State Constitution and Laws
Washington State Constitution:
https://leg.wa.gov/state-laws-and-rules/washington-state-constitution/
Revised Code of Washington (RCW):
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/
Washington Administrative Code (WAC):
https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/
Federal Tax Resources
Since Washington residents must still file federal income tax returns, the following federal resources are essential:
Internal Revenue Service (IRS):
Main website: https://www.irs.gov/
Phone: 1-800-829-1040 (individuals)
Forms and publications: https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions
Key IRS Publications for Washington Residents:
- Publication 17: Your Federal Income Tax
- Publication 505: Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax
- Publication 590-A: Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements
- Publication 590-B: Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements
- Publication 600: State and Local General Sales Taxes
Free Tax Assistance
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance):
Free federal tax preparation for individuals earning $64,000 or less
Find locations: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers
TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly):
Free federal tax preparation for taxpayers age 60 and older
Find locations: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers
AARP Tax-Aide:
Free federal tax preparation for low-to-moderate income taxpayers, specializing in taxpayers 50+
Find locations: https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/
Note: These services provide federal tax preparation only, as Washington has no state income tax.
Tax Glossary
Since Washington has no state income tax, many common state tax terms are not applicable. However, Washington residents should understand these terms for federal tax purposes:
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI): Federal concept – total income minus specific deductions (IRA contributions, student loan interest, etc.). Not used for Washington state tax as there is no state income tax.
Federal Income Tax: Tax imposed by the U.S. government on individual and corporate income. Washington residents must pay federal income tax.
Itemized Deductions: Federal concept – specific expenses deductible on Schedule A (mortgage interest, property taxes, sales taxes, charitable contributions). Washington residents may itemize on federal return but have no state return.
Standard Deduction: Federal concept – fixed deduction amount that reduces taxable income. For 2025: $14,600 (single), $29,200 (married filing jointly).
Tax Withholding: Amount withheld from paychecks for taxes. Washington employers withhold federal tax but no state income tax (since none exists).
Taxable Income: Federal concept – AGI minus standard or itemized deductions. Determines federal tax liability.
SALT Deduction: State And Local Tax deduction on federal Schedule A. Washington residents may deduct sales taxes and property taxes (capped at $10,000 total).
Gross Receipts Tax: Tax on total business revenue before deductions. Washington’s Business and Occupation (B&O) tax is a gross receipts tax, not an income tax.
Excise Tax: Tax on specific transactions or privileges. Washington classifies most taxes (sales tax, B&O tax) as excise taxes rather than income taxes.
Where to Check for Updates
Washington Department of Revenue:
https://dor.wa.gov/ – Main source for any tax structure changes
Washington State Legislature:
https://leg.wa.gov/ – Legislative updates and proposed bills
Washington State Constitution:
https://leg.wa.gov/state-laws-and-rules/washington-state-constitution/ – Constitutional amendments
Washington Courts:
https://www.courts.wa.gov/ – Supreme Court decisions affecting tax law
Note: Any change to Washington’s income tax status would be significant news and would require either constitutional amendment or major court decision. Changes are unlikely without substantial public debate and legislative action.
Update History
February 2026 – Initial Publication
- Published comprehensive Washington income tax guide
- Documented no-income-tax status and constitutional framework
- Verified all sources from official government websites
- Confirmed historical precedents from Washington Supreme Court decisions
Last comprehensive update: February 16, 2026
Next scheduled review: January 2027 (for any legislative changes)