- Tim Eyman and Let’s Go Washington said they submitted 511,043 signatures for Initiative 645 on July 3, 2026.
- Supporters gathered the petitions in 51 days, but state officials must still verify valid signatures before ballot placement.
- The measure targets Washington’s high-income capital gains tax, while taxpayers still must follow federal filing rules for 2026 transactions.
(WASHINGTON) – Washington residents, including immigrants and visa holders with capital gains income, are watching a new deadline in state tax politics after Tim Eyman and Let’s Go Washington said on July 3, 2026 that they had submitted 511,043 signatures for Initiative 645, a proposed income tax repeal measure expected to target the state’s tax on high-income capital gains.
The campaign said it gathered the signatures in 51 days and called the result an “incredible 4th of July gift.” Eyman described the push as an “absolutely amazing accomplishment.” The group’s public events show a final “Super Signature Event” in Bellevue on June 29, 2026, followed by a July 1, 2026 call for supporters to be in Tumwater for the turn-in.
The reported total appears well above the number usually needed to qualify a statewide initiative for the ballot, although state officials still must verify valid signatures before placement is final. That verification step matters because campaign totals are not the same as certified totals.
One claim from supporters does not line up with the numbers they released. The campaign said the drive “smashed” a prior signature record of 699,000. A reported total of 511,043 is lower than 699,000, not higher. The signature count may still be politically strong, but the record claim is not supported by the figures in the campaign’s own announcement.
Initiative 645 has become a high-profile fight over Washington tax policy ahead of the November 2026 election. Supporters describe it as an income tax repeal aimed at the state levy on high-income capital gains. Opponents argue repeal could affect more than one tax issue and weaken the broader structure supporting state revenue.
That debate has practical tax consequences for people planning tax year 2026 transactions, especially taxpayers who moved to Washington recently or changed immigration status during the year. Federal tax treatment does not change because of this ballot campaign. Capital gains still belong on Form 1040 and Schedule D. Residency rules for immigrants remain governed by IRS Publication 519, and general investment income rules remain in IRS publications and forms.
Visa holders should separate state politics from federal filing duties. An F-1 or J-1 student may still be a nonresident for federal tax purposes under Publication 519. An H-1B worker often becomes a federal tax resident and must report worldwide income. None of that changes because Tim Eyman’s campaign says Initiative 645 is headed toward the ballot.
| Event | Date | Who it affects | Consequence of missing it | Extension or special rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final “Super Signature Event” in Bellevue | June 29, 2026 | Initiative 645 volunteers and signers | Late signatures risk missing the submission push | No extension announced |
| “Be there in Tumwater” turn-in push | July 1, 2026 | Campaign supporters submitting petitions | Petitions not turned in by the campaign push may not count toward the filing package | No extension announced |
| Campaign announcement of 511,043 signatures | July 3, 2026 | Washington voters and taxpayers tracking Initiative 645 | No direct filing penalty, but tax planning remains uncertain until certification and election results | State verification still pending |
| Expected general election ballot | November 2026 | Washington voters | Voters who miss registration or ballot deadlines lose their chance to weigh in | Check state election rules locally |
| Federal return for tax year 2026 | April 15, 2027 | U.S. taxpayers, including immigrants and visa holders | Late filing and late payment penalties may apply | Extension to October 15, 2027 generally available; payment still due by April 15, 2027 |
📅 Deadline Alert: The political filing push has already happened. The next live deadline for taxpayers is transaction planning during 2026 and federal filing by April 15, 2027.
There is no IRS disaster relief tied to this Washington ballot measure. Standard federal deadlines remain in place unless the IRS later issues separate relief through IRS Newsroom. Taxpayers with foreign accounts still face the usual FBAR rule if aggregate balances exceed $10,000, with the filing due April 15, 2027 and an automatic extension to October 15, 2027.
⚠️ Warning: Do not delay federal reporting while waiting for the outcome of Initiative 645. Washington tax law may change later, but missed IRS deadlines still trigger penalties and interest.
Anyone who sold appreciated assets in Washington during 2026 should keep trade confirmations, basis records, residency documents, and immigration status records now. If status changed from F-1 to H-1B, or from nonresident to resident under the substantial presence test, review Publication 519 before filing. If foreign holdings are involved, check whether Form 8938, FinCEN Form 114, or treaty positions under Publication 901 also apply. The immediate task is simple: track the certification of the initiative, plan 2026 sales carefully, and prepare federal filings early for April 15, 2027.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax situations vary based on individual circumstances. Consult a qualified tax professional or CPA for guidance specific to your situation.
