Comcast lawsuit argues new Washington tax on advertising is illegal

Comcast lawsuit argues new Washington tax on advertising is illegal

Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard

September 15, 2025 / 12:01 pm

Comcast is suing to block a new Washington law imposing sales tax on advertising services, imperiling a financial linchpin lawmakers relied on to balance the state’s budget.

The cable giant contends that the statute set to take effect Oct. 1 violates federal law because it does not apply the tax to all advertising services in the same manner.

Attorneys for the corporation also assert that parts of the law are not allowed under the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act, which bars states from imposing “discriminatory taxes” on electronic commerce.

“Almost all forms of advertising conducted over the Internet are subject to the tax, while most form