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June 5, 2006
OLYMPIA – Consumers should retain their receipts on purchases of hard
liquor while the Washington State Supreme Court considers an appeal on the validity of the $1.33
additional tax on spirits that was imposed beginning July 1, 2005.
A Snohomish County Superior Court judge ruled that the tax increase was ineffective. The State Supreme
Court has issued a stay of this ruling while the appeal continues through the courts. A final decision
is not expected until later this year at the earliest.
If the appellate courts ultimately agree that the tax is invalid, purchasers of spirits made since
July 1, 2005, may be entitled to a refund of this tax. If a refund is ordered, instructions on how
to file for a refund will be available at your liquor store or from the agency’s Web site,
www.liq.wa.gov.
Remember, the refund issue has not yet been decided by the court. If a refund is ordered, you will
need your original sales receipt to enable us to calculate the appropriate tax due.
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