Why It Matters
A conservative political committee has begun collecting signatures to place a measure on Washington’s November ballot that would overturn the state’s newly enacted income tax on high earners. The effort could force voters to decide whether Washington joins states with income taxes or maintains its current revenue system—a decision with direct implications for Idaho as regional tax policies increasingly influence cross-border business and residential decisions.
The initiative targets legislation passed earlier this year imposing a 9.9% tax on household wage income exceeding $1 million annually, set to take effect in 2028.
What Happened
Let’s Go Washington announced Tuesday it has launched signature gathering for an initiative to repeal the income tax approved by state lawmakers this session. The group must collect 308,911 valid signatures from registered voters by July 2—a window of 51 days.
Brian Heywood, who founded and finances the political committee, declared at a news conference that income taxes remain illegal under Washington law regardless of how legislators define them. He noted that voters have previously rejected income tax proposals multiple times.
The measure was filed April 20 and received a ballot title from the state attorney general May 4. No appeals were filed during the required five-day challenge period.
By The Numbers
308,911: Valid signatures required to qualify for the ballot
51 days: Time remaining to collect signatures before the July 2 deadline
$3 billion: Estimated annual revenue the income tax would generate starting in 2029
21,000: Approximate number of Washington households that would pay the tax
9.9%: Tax rate on household wage income above $1 million
Zoom Out
Washington’s debate over income taxation occurs as Pacific Northwest states navigate budget pressures and competing visions for revenue systems. Oregon maintains an income tax with no sales tax, while Idaho employs both income and sales taxes at rates lower than many Western states.
The initiative would prohibit state and local governments from imposing any tax on individual income, regardless of source. It would establish a statutory definition of income as gains or benefits measured in money derived from capital, labor, property, or other sources.
Notably, the measure preserves several provisions from the original legislation, including expanded tax credits for low-income families, business tax relief, and elimination of sales tax on diapers, hygiene products, and over-the-counter medications. It retains language ending a new sales tax on services in 2029.
State Senator Jamie Pedersen, who sponsored the income tax legislation, said he expects the signature drive to succeed in placing the measure before voters. He expressed confidence that voters support the tax policy.
A labor-funded coalition formed to defend the income tax said it anticipates making its case that the policy creates a fairer tax code while funding education, healthcare, and public priorities.
What’s Next
Signature collection continues through July 2. State election officials recommend submitting at least 390,000 signatures to account for those deemed invalid.
If the measure qualifies, it would appear on the November ballot alongside two other Let’s Go Washington initiatives concerning parental rights in public schools and transgender athlete participation in girls’ sports.
Legal questions remain about whether repealing the income tax provision while keeping tax reductions would nullify the entire law or create budget complications for state programs.
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