This bill amends RCW 66.24.210 to provide a tax exemption for the first 20,000 gallons of table wine or cider sold by a winery in Washington. Specifically, wineries that sell less than 20,000 gallons in a calendar year will be subject to a reduced tax rate of $0.0528 per liter for their sales, while being exempt from any other taxes under this section for those first 20,000 gallons, except for taxes imposed for the Washington wine commission. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the collection and allocation of these taxes, ensuring that revenues are deposited into the liquor revolving fund and are subject to specific allocations.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a tax preference performance statement aimed at promoting the development of small wineries, which face unique challenges in the industry. The legislature's objective is to support these businesses by evaluating the effectiveness of the tax preference through metrics such as the number of wineries in operation, job creation in the wine industry, and the amount of wine excise taxes collected. If the review indicates that the tax preference successfully meets its goals, the legislature intends to extend its expiration date.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 66.24.210