If there's no state income tax... (Seattle, Bellevue: sale, car registration, how much)

[HockeyMac18]

Originally Posted by Moon Waffle

KidBlue, in comparison to California, almost every state has low taxes.

Yes, but WA is by no means the highest taxed state overall.

[Aussie1234]

My god...everyone here has to really call themselves lucky!!! I live in Australia and im in the middle income range - From my monthly salary 30% is automatically taken away and handed to the government for income tax, then our sales tax or GST is 10% on EVERYTHING including groceries...there is only a few items that dont have gst - milk and bread i think. Then we have Stamp Duty 6% on purchases of houses, which the medium house price in Melb is over $600,000, so after you have paid your deposit for your loan, you need to pay approx $36000 in stamp duty on top, which cant be financed....so what im saying is you should really really count yourselves VERY lucky!!!!!!

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by Aussie1234

My god...everyone here has to really call themselves lucky!!! ...you should really really count yourselves VERY lucky!!!!!!

AND WA residents don't have to be in a lottery system to get the privilege of licensing a Toyota that costs $100k, as in Singapore (a previous home of mine). But... I would rather have good EDU and healthcare (and honest politicians) (none of which is possible to the middle class in the USA).

I would say the Seattle area would benefit from the CBD 'toll' system which charges you a premium for using the roads in the Central Business District on weekdays during business hours. Of course you don't have to stop and pay tolls, as auto deduction from transmitters was in use circa 1980's (as were 'proximity' fare cards for subways and busses.)

Not sure what WA and USA is doing with the tax money, but it is certainly not used for creating competitive, progressive, and efficient government processes . (no incentive for THAT )

[Ultrarunner]

Originally Posted by Aussie1234

My god...everyone here has to really call themselves lucky!!! I live in Australia and im in the middle income range - From my monthly salary 30% is automatically taken away and handed to the government for income tax, then our sales tax or GST is 10% on EVERYTHING including groceries...there is only a few items that dont have gst - milk and bread i think. Then we have Stamp Duty 6% on purchases of houses, which the medium house price in Melb is over $600,000, so after you have paid your deposit for your loan, you need to pay approx $36000 in stamp duty on top, which cant be financed....so what im saying is you should really really count yourselves VERY lucky!!!!!!

Yes, but the dollar is plunging on world markets and you have the pleasure of living in Australia

Washington does not have a personal income tax... property tax is a wild-card here. Can your property tax in Australia nearly double one year to the next?

[j_k_k]

Originally Posted by Aussie1234

My god...everyone here has to really call themselves lucky!!! I live in Australia and im in the middle income range - From my monthly salary 30% is automatically taken away and handed to the government for income tax, then our sales tax or GST is 10% on EVERYTHING including groceries...there is only a few items that dont have gst - milk and bread i think. Then we have Stamp Duty 6% on purchases of houses, which the medium house price in Melb is over $600,000, so after you have paid your deposit for your loan, you need to pay approx $36000 in stamp duty on top, which cant be financed....so what im saying is you should really really count yourselves VERY lucky!!!!!!

You get something in return for yours.

[jm31828]

Originally Posted by j_k_k

You get something in return for yours.

Not directly related to our state, but Bill Mahr put it best when he said in many other countries for their tax dollars they get free medical care, solid retirement, etc. Here we get a Blue Angels flyover at the Fiesta Bowl.

[Haakon]

Originally Posted by Aussie1234

My god...everyone here has to really call themselves lucky!!! I live in Australia and im in the middle income range - From my monthly salary 30% is automatically taken away and handed to the government for income tax, then our sales tax or GST is 10% on EVERYTHING including groceries...there is only a few items that dont have gst - milk and bread i think. Then we have Stamp Duty 6% on purchases of houses, which the medium house price in Melb is over $600,000, so after you have paid your deposit for your loan, you need to pay approx $36000 in stamp duty on top, which cant be financed....so what im saying is you should really really count yourselves VERY lucky!!!!!!

It isn't luck, its standing up to government and saying "enough! No more taxes!" We are't lucky to have lower taxes, the people here vote to lower,cut or limit what the government can do. It's a constant fight as government always tries to get around the will of the people and raise them.

[Prerns]

How are the taxes in comparison to California as taxes in California are very high..

[BellevueNative]

Originally Posted by Prerns

How are the taxes in comparison to California as taxes in California are very high..

Similar sales and property taxes, groceries are not taxed, I think we have higher gas taxes, but no state income tax.

[windrunner4484]

It's funny but I know people don't like taxes, but they are necessary. Think of things they provide. Like roads? Schools? You get the picture. I hate taxes too but will pay my fair share. Where I live now we pay income, sales, property taxes, personal property, etc. Groceries are taxed. Gas is taxed. But without taxes we would not have things we need.