The Washington State Legislature, spearheaded by Democrats, pushed through the biggest package of tax hikes in state history, and it was signed off on by Gov. Bob Ferguson. Now, the hikes are ready to go into effect.
Over 90K professional businesses will be hit hard.
Engrossed Senate Bill (ESSB) 5814 will extend the state's standard retail sales tax rate of 6.5 percent to these businesses, plus local rates which vary between 1.4 and 4 percent, so most will see a tax hike of at least 7-10 percent.
These businesses include, according to the WA State Department of Revenue:
"Information technology services
Custom website development services
Investigation, security, and armored car services
Temporary staffing services
Advertising services
Live presentations
Sales of custom softwar