Tax & budget

Together we can make sure tax and budget decisions reflect our shared priorities and balance competing values.

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What can Congress do?

Tax & budget

What can Congress do?

We’re monitoring federal action and reporting back on whether our elected officials are acting for or against the public interest.

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The Latest
Washington Small Businesses Foot $2,116 Bill from Offshore Tax Dodging

Tax & budget

Washington Small Businesses Foot $2,116 Bill from Offshore Tax Dodging

As Tax Day approaches, it’s important to remember that small businesses end up picking up the tab for offshore tax loopholes used by many large multinational corporations. A new study by the WashPIRG Foundation revealed that the average Washington small business owner would have to pay an extra $2,116 in taxes to make up for the money lost in 2014 due to offshore tax haven abuse by large multinational corporations.  

Media Releases  

New Report: Washington Receives a “B” in Annual Report on Transparency of Government Spending

Tax & budget

New Report: Washington Receives a “B” in Annual Report on Transparency of Government Spending

SEATTLE – Washington State received a “B” when it comes to government spending transparency, according to “Following the Money 2014: How the 50 States Rate in Providing Online Access to Government Spending Data,” the fifth annual report of its kind by the Washington State Public Interest Research Group Foundation and U.S.PIRG Education Fund.

Media Releases  

Interest Rates for 104,863 Student Loan Borrowers in Washington Double

Tax & budget

Interest Rates for 104,863 Student Loan Borrowers in Washington Double

Due to Congressional inaction, the interest rates on federally subsidized student loans doubled on July 1 from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. The change will affect 104,863 students in Washington, and in total the rate increase will hike the cost of Washington students’ loans by $96.4 million. That translates into a $919 increase in debt per student, per loan.  However, because most new student loans are issued in August and September, Congress can still pass a retroactive fix.  

Media Releases  

Offshore Tax Havens Cost Average Washington Taxpayer $1,091 a Year, Washington Small Business $3,616

Tax & budget

Offshore Tax Havens Cost Average Washington Taxpayer $1,091 a Year, Washington Small Business $3,616

With Tax Day approaching, it’s a good time to be reminded of where our tax dollars are going. WashPIRG released a new study which reveals that the average Washington taxpayer in 2012 would have to shoulder an extra $1,091 in taxes to make up for the revenue lost due to the use of offshore tax havens by corporations and wealthy individuals. 

Media Releases  

Offshore Tax Dodging Blows a $40 Billion Hole in State Budgets, $150 Billion Nationally

Tax & budget

Offshore Tax Dodging Blows a $40 Billion Hole in State Budgets, $150 Billion Nationally

WashPIRG released a new study revealing the real cost of offshore tax loopholes. This tax avoidance costs the federal government $150 billion in tax revenue every year. States lost $39.8 billion due to offshore tax dodging in 2012.  Many of America’s wealthiest individuals and largest corporations use tax loopholes to shift profits made in America to offshore tax havens, where they pay little to no taxes.

Media Releases  

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