Capital Gains Tax Resources

In 2021, Washington’s legislature passed the capital gains tax – which has brought in nearly $900 million for child care and education in its first year!

The capital gains tax is a huge step forward for Washington. It’s a step toward making sure the super-rich pay what they owe in taxes, so that our families and communities have the resources we need for financial wellbeing.

We’re proud of the capital gains tax, and we’re proud of every Washingtonian across the state who worked hard to make this step toward tax justice a reality. Small businesses, community organizations, unions, and individuals came together – first to advocate for the capital gains tax, and then to defend it in Washington’s courts.

To learn more about the capital gains tax, public support, legal battles, and the State Supreme Court ruling, use the resources below!

THE CAPITAL GAINS TAX: FACTS AND IMPACT

Fact Sheet: Budget & Policy Center
How does the capital gains tax support our communities?

Impact by County
The Capital Gains Tax: Statewide Data

CAPITAL GAINS TAX: STATE SUPREME COURT

STATE SUPREME COURT LEGAL RESOURCES

State Reply
(October 2022)
State’s reply brief

Intervenor Reply
(October 2022)
Intervenor’s reply brief

Tax & Working Families Amicus Brief
(December 2022)
Washingtonians likely to pay the capital gains tax join workers and parents in support of the new law because it will help all Washingtonians

Tax & Constitutional Law Professor Amicus Brief
(December 2022)
Several tax and constitutional law experts explain that the lower court was wrong in calling the capital gains tax a property tax. Based on significant tax law precedent, it is clearly an excise tax

Racial Equity Group Amicus Brief
(December 2022)
Prominent nonprofit and research organizations lay out how the capital gains tax is a critical policy tool to undo some of the racial injustice built into our state tax code

Rural Business Owners & Educators Amicus Brief
(December 2022)
Rural business owners, educators, child advocates, and an economist show how the education and childcare programs funded by the capital gains tax will help Washington’s rural economies and families

State Reply
(January 2023)
State’s answer to Amici

Intervenor Reply
(January 2023)
Intervenor’s answer to Amici

State Supreme Court Opinion
(March 2023)
Washington State Supreme Court Ruling in Favor of the Capital Gains Tax

STATE SUPREME COURT MEDIA COVERAGE

State Reply
(October 2022)
State’s reply brief

Intervenor Reply
(October 2022)
Intervenor’s reply brief

Tax & Working Families Amicus Brief
(December 2022)
Washingtonians likely to pay the capital gains tax join workers and parents in support of the new law because it will help all Washingtonians

Tax & Constitutional Law Professor Amicus Brief
(December 2022)
Several tax and constitutional law experts explain that the lower court was wrong in calling the capital gains tax a property tax. Based on significant tax law precedent, it is clearly an excise tax

Racial Equity Group Amicus Brief
(December 2022)
Prominent nonprofit and research organizations lay out how the capital gains tax is a critical policy tool to undo some of the racial injustice built into our state tax code

Rural Business Owners & Educators Amicus Brief
(December 2022)
Rural business owners, educators, child advocates, and an economist show how the education and childcare programs funded by the capital gains tax will help Washington’s rural economies and families

State Reply
(January 2023)
State’s answer to Amici

Intervenor Reply
(January 2023)
Intervenor’s answer to Amici

State Supreme Court Opinion
(March 2023)
Washington State Supreme Court Ruling in Favor of the Capital Gains Tax

THE CAPITAL GAINS TAX: FACTS AND IMPACT


How does the capital gains tax support our communities?


A volunteer wearing a black mask and gloves sorting green plastic bags at a recycling or donation site with cardboard boxes in the background.

The Capital Gains Tax: Statewide Data

CAPITAL GAINS TAX: STATE SUPREME COURT

STATE SUPREME COURT LEGAL RESOURCES


State Reply
October 2022

State’s reply brief


A volunteer wearing a black mask, glasses, and a black T-shirt with Spanish text works outdoors, sorting green bags filled with items at a community service event, with piles of brown boxes behind him and a fenced area in the background.
A volunteer wearing a black mask and gloves sorts green plastic bags of food or supplies at an outdoor disposal or distribution site, with piles of cardboard boxes in the background.

Intervenor Reply
October 2022

Intervenor’s reply brief


Taxpayer & Working Families Amicus Brief
December 2022

Washingtonians likely to pay the capital gains tax join workers and parents in support of the new law because it will help all Washingtonians


Tax & Constitutional Law Professor Amicus Brief
December 2022

Several tax and constitutional law experts explain that the lower court was wrong in calling the capital gains tax a property tax. Based on significant tax law precedent, it is clearly an excise tax


Racial Equity Group Amicus Brief
December 2022

Prominent nonprofit and research organizations lay out how the capital gains tax is a critical policy tool to undo some of the racial injustice built into our state tax code


Rural Business Owners & Educators Amicus Brief
December 2022

Yakima Herald
June 2022

Seattle’s Child
November 2022

Everett Herald
November 2022

Rural business owners, educators, child advocates, and an economist show how the education and childcare programs funded by the capital gains tax will help Washington’s rural economies and families

Intervenor’s answer to Amici

Washington State Supreme Court Ruling in Favor of the Capital Gains Tax

STATE SUPREME COURT MEDIA COVERAGE

Guest column: Washington state needs a more just tax code


WA Supreme Court Accepts Direct Review of Capital Gains Lawsuit; $500 Million/Year for Students On The Line

WA Supreme Court Hearing Set For Capital Gains Lawsuit


Despite Delay Tactics, Super-Rich Should Be Paying What They Owe in Capital Gains Taxes


Why Washington needs a capital gains tax


Comment: Capital gains tax will give back to kids, families


Intervenor Reply
January 2023

State Reply
January 2023

State’s answer to Amici


State Supreme Court Opinion
March 2023



Press Release
July 2022


Press Release
October 2022

Press Release
November 2022

CAPITAL GAINS TAX: DOUGLAS COUNTY COURT

DOUGLAS COUNTY COURT LEGAL RESOURCES


Amicus Brief
December 2021

Eastern Washington Leaders Amicus Brief


A volunteer wearing a black face mask and gloves sorting green plastic bags filled with supplies at an outdoor charity event, surrounded by cardboard boxes.
A volunteer wearing a black T-shirt with text in Spanish, a face mask, and gloves packs green plastic bags at an outdoor event with cardboard boxes and a metal fence in the background.

WA Douglas County Court Ruling for Millionaire Plaintiffs

Press Release
July 2021

DOUGLAS COUNTY COURT MEDIA COVERAGE

WA Parents, Teachers, and a School District Asking To Join In Defending Education Funding


Opinion: Capital gains tax a step toward equity

These community leaders in Central WA say revenue from capital gains tax is needed


Trial Court Sides With The Super Rich, Ignores Public Support For Funding Childcare, Education By Taxing The Super Rich



Seattle’s Child
January 2022


Tri-City Herald
February 2022

Press Release
March 2022

More about Invest in Washington Now

Invest Washington Now is a movement of activists, educators, working families, and everyday Washingtonians advocating for a fair and just tax code. Our work has been made powerful by the people who have shown up, day after day, to work for a fair tax system.

Looking to dig in more? Learn more about us here, or check out what’s in the news. Have a question? You can always send us a message. Thanks for joining the fight for a fair and just tax code!

A group of protesters on the steps of a government building holding signs with messages like 'No Tax Cut Super-Rich' and 'We Support the Capital Gains Tax.' Some flags include SEIU 775 and AFSCME. A man in sunglasses and a dark jacket is speaking at a podium with a sign supporting the capital gains tax.