On July 1, Washington State retailers will have to start charging non-residents sales tax.

Non-residents such as those from sales-tax-free Oregon will be able to save their receipts for the year and seek reimbursement from the Department of Revenue as long as they total $25 or more.  Non-residents can only make one request per year. Before a new law, Oregon shoppers received immediate sales tax breaks as an incentive to shop in Washington, where sales taxes are charged.

The change is a result of Senate Bill 5997 by Senator Christine Rolfes (D-23).  Last year non-residents accounted for more than $850 million in sales.  This change will particularly impact our retailers along the Washington/Oregon border.  WR opposed this legislation as it will reduce sales and impact jobs.