WA Income Tax Repeal: Supreme Court Leaves Controversial Ballot Language in Place

The Washington State Supreme Court has split 4-4 in the latest legal fight over Initiative 645, leaving a disputed Public Investment Impact Disclosure in place as Washington voters prepare to decide whether to repeal the state's new income tax. Initiative 645, backed by Let's Go Washington, would repeal Washington's 9.9% tax on annual individual income above $1 million and prohibit state and local governments from imposing taxes on individual income. The measure is headed to Washington's November 3, 2026 ballot. At the center of the court battle is the Public Investment Impact Disclosure, or PIID, that voters will see alongside Initiative 645. The disclosure says passage of the income tax repeal would decrease funding for public K-12 education, higher education—including universities and community colleges—and human services, primarily healthcare. Government transparency activist Arthur West challenged the PIID, arguing that the ballot statement is misleading and violates requirements for neutral ballot information. After losing in Thurston County Superior Court, West sought emergency relief from the Washington State Supreme Court. The justices ultimately split 4-4 on West's motion. Without a majority supporting the requested injunction, the motion failed and the existing PIID will remain on the ballot. The decision drew criticism from Washington GOP Chairman Jim Walsh and Let's Go Washington founder Brian Heywood, both of whom have objected to the wording of the disclosure. Supporters of the existing PIID argue voters should be informed about the projected budget effects of repealing the tax. With the legal challenge unsuccessful in removing the disclosure before ballots are printed, Washington voters will see the existing statement when they decide the future of Initiative 645 and Washington's new income tax this November. Washington in Focus breaks down the Washington Supreme Court decision, Initiative 645, the income tax repeal campaign, the disputed PIID ballot language and what Washington voters need to know ahead of the November election. #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #Initiative645 #WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonSupremeCourt #WAPolitics #Election2026 #Taxes #IncomeTaxRepeal #LetsGoWashington #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare