The Washington State Standard has reported that a forthcoming “10% surtax on the sale, lease, or transfer of private aircraft valued at more than $500,000” may be grounded in the near future.
The tax is scheduled to takeoff April 1, 2026, but State Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds), who originally sponsored the tax, is trying to repeal it.
“Liias explained his change of heart by noting the vigorous opposition to the new tax that emerged, including from tenants at a major airport in his own district, Paine Field,” reported the Washington State Standard.
Rep. Tom Dent (R-Moses Lake) has a House version of a repeal bill ready to go.
Liias would like to offset the decrease in tax revenue by boosting taxes elsewhere. Dent’s bill would simply repeal the tax. The two chambers will need to negotiate.
The 2026 legislative session ends March 12.
Washington state taxes on GA were among the most oppressive in the country when I lived there 45 years ago. That’s the main reason Washington was crossed off my list of destinations to live in retirement.