Washington Triples its State Beer Tax
The budget crises afflicting many states has finally caused legislators in Washington State to realize their tax rates needed an overhaul. Included in the current budget is a beer tax increase that triples the tax rate on domestic brands (micro-brews are exempt). The new beer tax adds about 28 cents on a six-pack. We estimate this increase will raise about $55.6 million per year in new revenue, allowing the state to avoid painful cuts in services. It's time for California and other states to follow suit and increase their alcohol tax rates to help save vital programs.
