Washington Deferrals, Exemptions and Credits

Washington State Dept. of Revenue

Sales and Use Tax Deferrals / Exemptions, and Business and Occupation Tax Credits

New and existing manufacturers, research and development firms, and certain high technology companies in Washington can benefit from several targeted tax incentives, several of which were approved or enhanced by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor in 1995.

These incentives are intended to encourage the preservation and creation of family-wage jobs in the manufacturing and high technology sectors, particularly in areas where high unemployment exists.

State studies predict that these incentives will pay for themselves over time through increased economic activity. They also will help continue diversification of the state’s economy, enabling it to better withstand economic downturns.

The incentives are:

  • Sales/use tax exemption for machinery and equipment used in a manufacturing or process for hire operation
  • Distressed Area Sales / Use Tax Deferrals/ Exemptions
  • Distressed Area Business and Occupation Tax Credits
  • High Technology Sales / Use Tax Deferrals / Exemptions
  • High Technology Business and Occupation Tax Credits.