Sales tax to increase to pay for transit

By REPORTER STAFF
Mercer Island Reporter Staff
March 17, 2009 · Updated 3:10 PM 

  • 0
  • Print Story
  • Email Author
  • Letter/Editor

The Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) sales tax will increase five-tenths of one percent to a total of nine-tenths of one percent on April 1.

The 0.5 percent increase was approved by voters last November. It will be used to expand and coordinate light-rail, commuter-rail and express bus service, and improve access to transit facilities in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties. The rate increase applies to the majority of urban areas in those counties.

Overall, general sales tax rates will be up to 9.5 percent in King County, 9.4 percent in Snohomish County and 9.3 percent in Pierce County. Rates depend on exact locations and taxing districts.

The Department provides a sales tax rate lookup tool accessible from http://dor.wa.gov.

Questions about the rate change also can be directed to the Department’s toll-free help line, 1-800-647-7706.

Contact Mercer Island Reporter Staff Reporter Staff at editor@mi-reporter.com.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.

blog comments powered by Disqus