Taxes: Burden overblown for Washingtonians
Re: “Washington tax burden outstrips other states’,” (TNT, 2/24).
The headline and first four paragraphs of this article suggest Washingtonians pay too much in taxes. Based on a recent study, the writer notes that Washingtonians had to work “four days longer than the national average” to pay their taxes.
About one third of the way through the article the truth is revealed. When federal taxes are removed, Washingtonians actually work four days fewer than the national average to pay their taxes.
We pay more in federal taxes because our incomes are among the highest in the country. Federal taxes have nothing to do with being a Washingtonian.
Washington has the most regressive tax system; compared to other states, middle and lower-income people pay disproportionately more than higher-income people. As our potholes get larger and our schools and mental health systems fall further behind, we must face the reality that we need a strong progressive tax system.
Lower-income people cannot continue paying more for needed consumables. Households with incomes above $175,000 should pay a progressive income tax, and people with tens of millions of dollars in wealth should pay a wealth tax.
John C. Alessio, Steilacoom
This story was originally published February 27, 2020 at 1:18 PM with the headline "Taxes: Burden overblown for Washingtonians."