Fight for tax deduction

Every two years, our U.S. representatives and senators need to revisit a simple tax deduction that helps defend Washington’s citizens against unfair and inequitable federal taxation. Once again, the federal deduction of state and local sales taxes has expired for taxpayers in Washington and six other states (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming).

To continue, it must be added into the tax code (codified), or be extended by Dec. 31. Otherwise, the deduction is lost for 2014, and for those who itemize, their comparative tax liability increases. While this repeating and uncertain political see-saw persists, the personal deduction for state income taxes (already codified into the tax law) simply lumbers on for taxpayers in the remaining 40-plus states.

Washington’s taxpayers are held hostage every time this extension comes around, and we have lost it at times in the past. If this sounds like unfair and unequal treatment in personal federal taxation, then contact your member of Congress and your senators right away. Remind them of the fairness, equity and importance of continuing the state and local sales tax deduction for Washington’s taxpayers.

Robert Schweim

Spokane