Initiative 645, a measure seeking to repeal Washington’s new high-earners income tax, has qualified for the Nov. 3 statewide ballot after receiving enough valid voter signatures, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.
Supporters of the initiative submitted more than 500,000 signatures earlier this month, exceeding the 308,911 signatures required for a measure to qualify. A random sampling review of petitions confirmed enough valid signatures, allowing the measure to move forward to voters this fall.
The initiative would repeal the 9.9% tax on annual household incomes exceeding $1 million that was approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson. The tax is scheduled to apply to income earned beginning in 2028, with the first payments due in 2029. State officials estimate the tax could generate $3 billion or more annually, with most of the revenue supporting the state’s operating budget, including K-12 education and other public services.
Supporters of I-645, including the Let’s Go Washington campaign, argue the measure would protect families and businesses from an expansion of the state income tax. Opponents contend that repealing the tax could reduce funding available for health care, childcare, education, and other state priorities.
Gov. Ferguson has stated he would oppose any future expansion of the tax to individuals earning less than $1 million and noted that the income threshold is adjusted annually for inflation.
The ballot measure is also being challenged separately in court, with opponents arguing that the tax violates the state’s constitution. That case remains pending and could eventually be considered by the Washington Supreme Court.
