Overview
- Lawmakers approved SB 6346 to levy a 9.9% tax on household income above $1 million, with Gov. Bob Ferguson indicating he will sign it; the tax takes effect in 2028 and first payments are due in 2029.
- Seahawks general manager John Schneider said losing Washington’s no–income tax pitch will "sting" player recruitment and contract talks for pro teams in Seattle.
- The NFL’s 2026 base salary for players with at least one accrued season is $1.005 million, putting many non-rookies over the threshold, though agents differ on how much this will sway free-agency decisions.
- Fiscal estimates suggest roughly 20,000 to 30,000 taxpayers—about 0.5% of residents—would be affected, generating more than $3 billion annually alongside expanded rebates for lower-income households.
- Business groups, including the NFIB, argue the measure could "cripple" small firms near the threshold and say they are preparing legal and potential ballot challenges.