Why does Oregon have an income tax/Washington have a sales tax?

Barton Morfee: Because that is the way that they each choose to operate and raise the needed funds to pay for the operation and services that all of the residents and visitors always take for granted in our lives for us to use and make our lives easier to live in and have more conveniences available for our use at that time of need.Hope that you find the above enclosed information useful. 11/20/2011

Serita Hefferon: It is because the citizens of those states voted for politicians who voted to pass laws saying that their states would (or would not) have those forms of tax. That is what living in a democracy (or republic) means: laws and taxes exist (or not) because of the outcome of elections, not because of an rational decision-making process. There is no reason, and there does not need to be a reason for how someone votes. The way in which the citizens decide to vote is reason enough....Show more

Kellie Waycott: that's what is called the sovereignty of eac! h state, they can choose which taxes they wish to declare

Sook Hershkowitz: Well, each state take their tax's in various ways, but you need to be sure if one state does not require you to file tax return or Sales Tax, still, that state will make their money from you in another way!!. For example, people who are self employee and work in Washington, in general, they pay Federal Tax plus self employment tax, But they do not file Individual tax return for Washington State. HOWEVER (Here is the catch), for individuals to practice business in Washington, they must apply for Business License where the Fee will be equal (not less than) the state tax return. Those states who claim they do not charge their residents with State tax, they do charge their residents with BIG business License fee.Some states do not charge Sales tax for groceries, others do. Oregon has one of the highest income tax rates in the nation for this reason, they do not charge Sales Tax. Washington ha! ve Sales Tax and Business License Fees more than other state a! s it does not require its residents to file income tax returns.A sales tax only taxes non-essential, non grocery items. Essential groceries and hygiene items could be considered exempt, and therefore, the people that can't afford a sales tax wouldn't be affected....Show more

Violette Vanek: No sane person gives a government two different ways to tax him. That is economic suicide for the individual.

Marjory Stromme: I want to know why Oregon does not have a sales tax while Washington does not have an income tax. I already know that they compensate for it in other areas.

Pasty Cobbett: That's what each state legislature has decided, and they get to make those decisions.

Angelyn Ducas: Some states don't have an income tax. They use sales tax to raise revenues. Typically the sales tax rates will be higher to make up for the fact that there's no income tax. (Unless you are in CA which has high state tax AND high sales tax.)When the federal government! talks about a "consumption tax" that is a national sales tax. You pay taxes on things you buy....Show more

Sharri Scalley: No such thing as a tax free state. Some states dont have state income tax or sales tax but they may have a higher property tax.