Murray Statement in Support of Sales Tax Deductibility

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray today joined a bi-partisan, bi-cameral group of legislators as a cosponsor of a bill to make sales tax deduction permanent for Washingtonians. The deduction allows residents of Washington, and other states that do not collect state income taxes, to deduct sales taxes from the federal income tax returns.

Last year, Congress restored the deduction for 2004 and 2005. Without further action, however, the measure would “sunset” in 2005, and Washington state residents would again lose the deduction.

Murray today released the following statement:

“I am proud to be a co-sponsor of legislation that will help level the playing field for Washington state residents. A permanent sales tax deduction is an important step towards greater fairness for Washingtonians and others across the country.

I applaud Senator Cantwell’s efforts to move this legislation forward. She has been a strong and consistent advocate for our state and for making taxes more equitable for Washington families.”