Bill > SB5814

This bill aims to modernize the state's tax code by extending retail sales tax to select services, repealing certain sales tax exemptions, applying taxes to new nicotine products, and requiring certain large businesses to prepay state sales tax collections. Specifically, the bill expands the definition of taxable services to include several new categories such as information technology training, custom website development, security services, temporary staffing services, advertising services, and live presentations. The legislation also updates the definition of "digital automated services" by removing several existing exemptions. Additionally, the bill broadens the definition of "tobacco products" to include nicotine products derived from tobacco or created synthetically, ensuring that emerging nicotine products are subject to the same taxation as traditional tobacco products. The legislature's rationale is to adapt the tax code to reflect the shift from a goods-based to a service-based economy and to generate revenue to support public schools, healthcare, social services, and other critical state programs. The bill includes provisions to take effect in October 2025 and January 2026, with a clause ensuring that if any part of the act is found invalid, the remainder of the act remains in effect.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5814&Year=2025&Initiative=false