Tax Reform Publications 2004-2005

2004-2005 tax reform Publications

Washington's Gas Tax in Historical Perspective

08.01.2005 | Washington's gas tax still remains below the rate of the 1950s and 1960s once adjusted for inflation. Investment from the gas tax will make up for years of neglect and set the stage for broad-based economic growth. Full Report »

Washington Tax and Revenue: Where do we go from here?

03.01.2005 | Tax reform is essential for Washington to meet the needs of its citizens. The fact sheet reviews problems and outlines solutions to challenges facing Washington's public revenue collections, including fairness, accuracy and public trust. Full report takes close look at the general elements that should be included in a balanced and fair system tax system, along with issues to consider in deciding among alternatives. Fact Sheet » Full Report »

Washington's Estate Tax: Protecting Our State's Resources

03.01.2005 | Restoring the tax would improve the progressivity of the state’s tax system, maintain incentives that promote charitable giving, and prevent wealth disparities from growing wider. Full Report »

Unearned Income Tax in Washington: Building Resources for the Greater Good

03.01.2005 | Existing taxes fall disproportionately on the state’s lower-income residents. Reforming the state’s tax system could bring in desperately needed additional revenue and could make the state’s tax system more equitable. One possibility is the adoption of a tax on unearned dividend and interest income. Full Report »

An Incremental Approach to Improve Washington State's Tax System: A Proposal for a Tax on High-Income Households

09.01.2004 | Washington is one of only seven states with no personal income tax. A new tax on high-income households would more fairly distribute taxes and produce revenues that would grow with the state's economy and need for services, particularly if linked to a reserve account and reductions in other taxes. Full Report »

A Better Alternative to the Bush Tax Cut: Could the differences be any clearer?

04.24.2004 | Illustrates how a one-time $500 prosperity dividend to every legal permanent resident of the United States would provide an immediate boost to the economy and promote our nation’s long term economic health. Fact Sheet »

Lost Revenue, Lost Opportunities: Tax Exemptions in Washington State

04.01.2004 | Evaluating tax breaks side-by-side with the need for lower class size in public schools, children’s health programs, access to college, transportation improvements, and other investments in our future has to be part of the solution to Washington’s long-term budget problems. This paper provides background information on tax exemptions in Washington state and discusses major issues to consider in moving toward more balanced and fair tax policies. Executive Summary » Full Report »