Seattle chamber appeals dismissal of suit against city tax

SEATTLE — The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is appealing the dismissal of its lawsuit against the city’s new tax on high salaries at large corporations.

A King County judge dismissed the chamber’s lawsuit against the JumpStart tax last month, leading City Council members who passed the measure last year to declare victory.

On Friday, the chamber announced an appeal asking the Washington State Court of Appeals to overturn the decision, The Seattle Times reported.

The business group argues JumpStart is an illegal tax on employees and their right to make a living, while Seattle’s lawyers say the measure is tax on employers and their business activities.

“Our success in this lawsuit wasn’t in doubt, considering the Legislature’s express authorization to impose a progressive tax like this,” City Attorney Pete Holmes said last month after Judge Mary Roberts dismissed the lawsuit.

“This is an important legal issue to resolve and this needs to be reviewed by the Court of Appeals,” Chamber President Rachel Smith said Friday.

The tax took effect this year, with Mayor Jenny Durkan and the council relying on more than $200 million in expected proceeds to fill pandemic-related holes in Seattle’s 2021 budget and provide relief to residents. Starting in 2022, much of the money has been designated for affordable housing.

The measure taxes businesses with at least $7 million in annual payroll 0.7% to 2.4% on salaries paid to Seattle employees who make at least $150,000 per year. The top 2.4% rate, meant to apply to companies like Amazon, taxes salaries of at least $400,000 at companies with at least $1 billion in annual payroll.

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