The Wall Street Journal – An Income Tax by Any Other Name
Seattle’s City Council openly ignored the state of Washington’s law and constitution when it voted unanimously in July to levy a 2.25% tax its wealthy residents. The Freedom Foundation, a local think tank, and other organizations sued to block the ordinance. In pleasant news that received little attention because it came down on the day before Thanksgiving, the King County Superior Court ruled that the tax is illegal.
Skimming is not a union practice that went out when the closing credits for “On The Waterfront” first rolled in 1954. It’s still alive today. And it’s hurting some of California’s most vulnerable residents, while at the same time stuffing the treasury of politically powerful unions and financially exploiting those who care for the sick, disabled and elderly.
The Lens – King County court smacks down Seattle income tax
If the city of Seattle’s message to residents was “you can leave if you don’t like our income tax,” King County Superior Court perhaps had a message of its own for the city: If you don’t like the ban on local income taxes, get state law changed.
Reason – Seattle’s Income Tax Ruled Illegal
King County Superior Court Judge John Ruhl, in a summary judgement, sided with many angry city residents who contended the local income tax violated state law. Ruhl rejected a wide range of arguments cooked up by Seattle to save its legally dubious levy.
Daily Caller – Judge Nixes Seattle’s Experimental Income Tax On High Earners
A King County Superior Court judge struck down Seattle’s re-distributive income tax on top earners Wednesday, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Freedom Foundation.
Biz Pac Review – Seattle Lefties Get Big Blow: Tax On The Wealthy Struck Down By Court
Despite a state constitutional provision that bans personal income taxes, Seattle lawmakers thought they could pass their own tax on the state’s wealthy residents.
PJ Media – Seattle Will Appeal Court Ruling Striking Down Tax On Wealthy
A King County Superior Court judge ruled that Seattle’s new tax on wealthy individuals is illegal because it violates a state law that prevents taxing net income.
Fox News – Judge Rules Seattle’s Tax On the Wealthy Is Illegal; City Vows To Appeal
Seattle’s controversial tax on the wealthy failed its first legal test this week after a judge ruled the new ordinance violates state law – but the city isn’t backing down and vows to appeal, setting the stage for a Washington State Supreme Court showdown.
Bloomberg BNA – Washington Court Hears Argument Over Seattle ‘Rich’ Tax
The city of Seattle Nov. 17 defended its new municipal income tax on high-earners as the Washington Superior Court heard from several parties arguing that the regime should be struck.
Associated Press – Judge Rules Against Seattle Income Tax On High Earners
A judge ruled Wednesday that a new income tax on wealthy Seattle residents is illegal.
Capitol Hill Times – Seattle Appealing Highest-Earners Income Tax Decision
As expected, a King County Superior Court judge ruled a Seattle income tax on the city’s highest earners illegal on Wednesday.
KUOW – Seattle’s Income Tax Loses The First Round In Court
A judge in King County has struck down Seattle’s new income tax on higher earners.
Seattle Weekly – King Country Judge Rules Against Seattle Income Tax
Earlier this afternoon, King County Superior Court Judge John Ruhl issued a ruling against Seattle’s proposed income tax, queuing up a likely appeal that would take the case to the Court of Appeals and then the Washington state Supreme Court.
The Stranger – Superior Court Judge Rules Against Seattle Income Tax, Appeal On The Way
Seattle’s income tax on people making more than $250,000 annually violates state law and is therefore invalid, a King County Superior Court judge ruled today.
Queen Anne & Magnolia News – Seattle Appealing Highest-Earners Income Tax Decision
As expected, a King County Superior Court judge ruled a Seattle income tax on the city’s highest earners illegal on Wednesday.
Seattle Times – Seattle’s Income Tax On The Wealthy Is Illegal, Judge Rules
Seattle’s income tax on wealthy households failed its first legal test Wednesday, with a King County Superior Court ruling that the measure is illegal.
