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Explore our latest updates on tax strategy, accounting compliance, and operational best practices curated by the Maris & Associates team.

calculate-sales-tax-washington
April 13, 2026Uncategorized

How do I calculate sales tax in Washington?

Calculating Washington sales tax is simple: multiply the price by your combined rate, then add it to the total. The state rate is 6.5% everywhere, but local rates push the total to 10.25% in Seattle, 8.9% in Spokane, and 8.5% in Vancouver. Groceries and prescription drugs are exempt, cars get taxed at registration, and online purchases follow your delivery address. Learn the formula, how to reverse-engineer tax from a total, and how to find your exact local rate in seconds.

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washington-sales-use-tax-table
April 11, 2026Uncategorized

Washington Local Sales and Use Tax Table

Washington's combined sales and use tax rate varies widely by location—from 10.25% across most of King County (Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland) down to 8.0% in Yakima and Walla Walla. Tacoma sits at 10.2%, Spokane at 8.9%, Vancouver at 8.5%. Use tax mirrors sales tax and applies when out-of-state sellers don't collect Washington tax. See the complete rate table covering 30+ major cities, what's taxable versus exempt, and how to find the exact rate for your address.

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avoid-capital-gains-tax-in-washington
April 9, 2026Uncategorized

How to avoid capital gains tax in Washington state?

Washington's 7% capital gains tax kicks in above $250,000 of annual gains, but there are several legal ways to avoid or reduce it. Keep annual gains under the threshold, use the primary residence exemption ($250K single / $500K married), hold appreciated assets until death for a stepped-up basis, harvest losses in the same tax year, structure instalment sales over multiple years, or shelter investments in retirement accounts. See how each strategy works and when to use it.

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capital-gains-home-sale-washington
April 8, 2026Uncategorized

Do I have to pay capital gains if I sell my house in Washington state?

Most Washington homeowners pay no state capital gains tax when selling their primary residence. Singles can exclude up to $250,000 of gain, married couples up to $500,000, as long as they've lived in the home for two of the last five years. Above the exemption, gains get another $250,000 standard deduction before the 7% or 9.9% rate kicks in. Rental properties and vacation homes don't qualify for the primary residence exclusion but still get the standard deduction.

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llc-taxes-washington
April 8, 2026Uncategorized

What Taxes Does an LLC Pay in Washington State?

A Washington LLC pays no state income tax on its profits—members keep every dollar the LLC passes through. The main state tax is the B&O tax on gross revenue: 0.471% for retail, 1.5% for services, with a $280 small business credit that exempts low earners entirely. LLCs selling physical goods collect sales tax from customers, and those with employees handle payroll taxes. There's no annual LLC fee or franchise tax. See how Washington compares to CA, NY, and TX for LLC owners.

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business-income-tax-washington
April 8, 2026Uncategorized

What Is the Business Income Tax in Washington State?

Washington has no business income tax—no corporate tax, no LLC tax, no pass-through tax. A C corp pays zero state tax on profits. An LLC owner pays zero state tax on pass-through income. Instead, Washington charges the B&O tax on gross revenue, regardless of profit: 0.471% for retail, 1.5% for services. A $280 small business credit exempts the smallest earners. Learn why this structure makes Washington attractive for owners and how the B&O differs fundamentally from income tax.

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avoid-property-tax-washington
April 7, 2026Uncategorized

How to Avoid Property Tax in Washington State?

You can't fully avoid Washington property tax, but two programs come close for qualifying seniors and disabled homeowners. The property tax deferral program lets the state pay your bill with no interest—you repay only when you sell, move, or die. The senior exemption shields up to $70,000 of assessed value from taxation. Trusts, transfers to kids, and farm classifications don't eliminate the tax. Even renters pay it indirectly through rent. See who qualifies and how to apply.

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age-stop-property-tax-washington
April 6, 2026Uncategorized

At What Age Do You Stop Paying Property Tax in Washington State?

There's no age at which Washington seniors automatically stop paying property tax—not 65, not 75, not 90. The tax is tied to owning real estate, not to your birthday. However, two programs can reduce or defer it starting at age 60 or 61. The exemption shields up to $70,000 of assessed value for qualifying low-income seniors. The deferral program lets the state pay your bill with no interest, repaid when you sell or pass away. Learn the income limits and how to apply.

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Does Washington have higher taxes than California? Key facts
February 11, 2026Taxes

Does Washington have higher taxes than California? Key facts

Does Washington have higher taxes than California? Often no for wage earners since WA skips wage tax. Sales, property, B&O, and capital gains can shift totals.

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Is it cheaper to live in WA or CA? Compare taxes and costs
February 11, 2026Taxes

Is it cheaper to live in WA or CA? Compare taxes and costs

Is it cheaper to live in WA or CA? It often hinges on income, housing, and spending. Compare key taxes and costs, then plan your 2026 move with a CPA.

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Most tax-friendly state in America: best picks by tax type
February 11, 2026Taxes

Most tax-friendly state in America: best picks by tax type

Most tax-friendly state in America depends on how you earn and spend. Compare no-wage-tax states, other costs, and what to check before moving first, always.

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Washington State Income Tax: No Wage Tax, Key Costs to Know
February 11, 2026Taxes

Washington State Income Tax: No Wage Tax, Key Costs to Know

Washington state income tax is 0% on wages. See what you may pay instead—sales, property, B&O, and capital gains—with a checklist for 2026 moves and filings.

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