The bill amends RCW 82.04.759 to clarify tax exemptions for individuals and entities engaged in printing newspapers and publishing eligible digital content. It specifies that amounts received for these activities are exempt from certain taxes, provided that the businesses meet specific criteria. Notably, the bill introduces new requirements for claiming the exemption, including the necessity for individuals to file a complete annual tax performance report with the department under RCW 82.32.534. Additionally, it establishes that failure to meet this requirement will result in a tax assessment based on the gross income of the business activities multiplied by a rate of 0.484 percent.

Furthermore, the bill outlines that if the department determines a person is ineligible for the exemption, the taxes previously exempted will become due, along with interest retroactive to the date the exemption was claimed. The bill also includes expiration dates for the new provisions, with Section 1 expiring on January 1, 2026, and Section 2 taking effect on the same date, expiring on January 1, 2034. This structured approach aims to ensure compliance while supporting the newspaper and digital content publishing sectors.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 82.04.759
Bill as Passed Legislature: 82.04.759
Session Law: 82.04.759