Included in the state income tax bill (SB 6346) was a provision eliminating the sales and use tax on grooming and hygiene products, such as deodorant. But that reduction should be viewed in context: legislative Democrats also passed the largest tax increases in state history during the 2025-26 biennium.
HB 2081 | Business tax increases: Across-the-board tax increases and additional punitive tax surcharges on businesses over a wide range of industries.
SB 6346 | New state income tax: Imposed a new tax of 9.9% on a household’s adjusted gross income over $1 million in Washington state.
SB 5801 | Gas and transportation taxes: Increased gas taxes, vehicle sales taxes, ferry ridership fees, replacement tire fees, registration fees, and more.
SB 5813 | Capital gains and death taxes: Increased estate tax rates to as much as 35% on some residents, and increased the tax rate on capital gains over $1 million from 7% to 9.9%.
Note: Democrats have since lowered the top estate rate tax rate to 20% – tying Hawaii for highest estate tax rate in the nation.
SB 6228 | Prescription drugs: Removed a tax exemption for the warehousing and reselling of prescription drugs, adding costs that will be passed on to consumers.
SB 5794 | Slashing tax incentives: Eliminated tax preferences for gold and bullion sales, low-income energy credits, and self-storage rentals.
SB 5390 | Discover Pass: Increased the cost of a Discover Pass by 50%.
SB 5583 | Hunting and fishing licenses: Increased the fee for hunting and fishing licenses by 38%.
SB 5814 | Zyn tax: Increased taxes on Zyn by 95%.
HB 2061 | Duty-free merchandise: Created a 10% tax on products sold in a duty-free store in the form of a “concession” fee.
