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Special Report

Washington State Capital Gains Tax FAQ

April 2023

Washington State Capital Gains Tax
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a new Capital Gains Tax in Washington?

A: Senate Bill 5069 establishes a flat-rate tax for capital gains incurred on the sale of long-term assets held by Washington residents. The initial payments are due to the State Department of Revenue by April 18, 2023 — the same day as the federal tax filing deadline. 

 

Q: How does the Washington Capital Gains Tax work?

  • A: Passed in 2021 and fully enacted this March, the Bill imposes a 7 percent tax rate on individuals’ profits arising from the sale or transfer of long-term assets, such as businesses, stocks and bonds. 
  • Taxable amounts are delineated by each calendar year and apply to long-term capital gains incurred from January 1, 2022 onward.  
  • Payments are due before April 18 each year and reflect the profits realized from the sale of assets during the prior taxable period.
  • The standard deduction of $250,000 per annum applies for individuals and married households. Only the capital gains in excess of the standard deduction are subject to the tax. 
    • For example, a net profit of $300,000 from the sale of bonds in 2022 translates to a taxable capital gain of $50,000 in 2023.
    • The law also provides up to a $100,000 tax abatement on top of the standard deduction, if the taxpayer contributed at least $250,000 to Washington-based charities during the year.
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