KYG Updates Blog

Resolution: Economy

Skamania County
Jesse D. & Tyler S.

Whereas; The state of Washington is one of only seven states that does not levy a personal income tax;and
Whereas; Nor does the state collect a corporate income tax;and
Whereas; However, Washington businesses are responsible for various other state levies such as a B&O tax (Business and Occupation). This is based upon how much one’s business’ gross profit is. If one’s business does not make more than 12,000 dollars a year then one is not required to pay this tax.;and
Whereas; Washington's state sales tax is 6.5 percent. It applies to some services as well;and
Whereas; As of January 1st 2004 the state amended its sales tax laws as they apply to certain foods and food ingredients. Most are exempt from sales tax. However, prepared foods, dietary supplements and soft drinks remain taxable. And when doughnuts and other such foods are sold with eating utensils, the food product is taxable. Eating utensils include plates, forks, napkins, etc., but do not include containers or packaging used to transport the item;and
Whereas; The combined state and local retail sales tax rates increase the taxes paid by consumers, depending on the variable local sales tax rates; and
Whereas; Sales tax is not collected from certain out-of-state residents as long as the item will be used outside of Washington. At the time of purchase, buyers from the qualifying authority must present picture identification noting their non-Washington address; and
Whereas; Property tax was the first tax levied in the state of Washington and its collection accounts for about 30 percent of Washington's total state and local revenue. They continue to be the most important revenue source for public schools, fire protection, library, park and recreation and other special purpose districts;andWhereas; State law requires assessors to appraise property at 100 percent of its true and fair market value in money, according to the highest and best use of the property. All real and personal property is subject to tax unless specifically exempted by law; and
Whereas; Because there is a property tax, a property “owner” can never really own their own property because they pay taxes on it to the government. So technically the government owns your property. That is the reason why some individual’s homes and property are being taken away from them because they don’t truly own the property;
Now, Therefore, be it Resolved; The 4-H Know Your Government party supports a change in the taxes. To remove all taxes with the exception of sales tax; sales tax shall be raised in necessity to correct the ratio of items bought and money needed by government. As a result citizens will have more money to spend; therefore the public will buy more things, thus more money for the government. And one will have the luxury of truly owning his/her own property.

Submitted By: Jesse D