(VIRGINIA) — Democratic lawmakers in several blue-leaning states opened the 2026 legislative season with proposals to raise taxes on very high earners, including Virginia’s HB 188 and HB 979 and Washington’s proposed “Millionaire’s Tax,” moves that could change state tax bills for executives, business owners, and immigrant professionals who already face complex U.S. filing rules.
In Richmond, HB 188 would add a 10% Virginia income tax bracket on taxable income over $1 million, replacing the current top structure that effectively taxes income above $17,000 at 5.75%. A separate bill, HB 979, would create two new brackets: 8% on income from $600,000 to $1 million, and 10% above $1 million.
HB 979 also pairs the rate increases with a higher proposed standard deduction of $10,000 for single filers and $20,000 for joint filers, with language suggesting possible inflation indexing.
Supporters say the Virginia package could raise more than $650 million per year, largely from taxpayers earning above $1 million. The plan’s stated purpose is to help backfill health coverage affordability, including $260 million tied to expiring federal health insurance premium tax credits, plus other affordability measures.
Republican lawmakers argue the combined effect of rate bills and other proposals could push the top marginal rate far higher. One cited scenario would reach 13.8% for $1 million-plus earners if stacked with other measures.
Whether that figure materializes depends on what ultimately passes and how bills interact.
Washington proposal
Across the country, Washington Democrats are pressing a separate approach. The Washington proposal is framed as a 9.9% tax on annual net income over $1 million—a “Millionaire’s Tax”—in the context of an estimated $4 billion deficit and a broader menu of tax ideas that has been described as reaching up to $11 billion.
The earliest target for implementation has been described as 2029, not immediate effect.
Backers have discussed earmarks for programs that are politically popular in the state, including the Working Families Tax Credit, which can be worth up to $1,290 per year, and eliminating the B&O tax for small businesses with revenue under $1 million.
A central issue in Washington is legal risk. The state constitution has long been interpreted to bar graduated income taxes, so proponents have signaled they would try to structure it as an excise tax and seek Washington Supreme Court review.
California initiative
California’s debate is different again. A pending ballot initiative, labeled 25-0024A1, proposes a one-time 5% tax on billionaire wealth, including assets such as stocks, bonds, and ownership interests.
The proposal cites roughly $2 trillion in billionaire assets in California, up from a cited baseline of about $300 billion in 2011. It would direct revenue into a 2026 Billionaire Tax Reserve Fund for health care, education, and nutrition programs, partly justified by possible federal funding changes.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has opposed the idea, arguing it could strain public services and worsen fiscal pressures.
Political split and broader arguments
These state-level pushes reflect a familiar split in state tax policy. Democrats argue high-earner taxes help stabilize budgets and protect services. Republicans argue higher marginal rates can accelerate high-income migration, reduce investment, and trigger constitutional litigation, especially in states without a traditional income tax framework.
Practical impacts for immigrants and visa holders
For immigrants and visa holders, the practical issue is not politics. It is compliance. State changes can affect withholding, estimated tax payments, and residency planning.
Those impacts can be sharper for internationally mobile households.
H-1B and L-1 workers, for example, are typically treated as U.S. tax residents once they meet the Substantial Presence Test under IRS rules. Tax residents generally report worldwide income on Form 1040, not just U.S. wages.
That can mean a state surcharge applies even when income includes foreign investment or partnership items. IRS Publication 519 (U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens) explains residency rules and dual-status scenarios in detail at irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p519.pdf.
⚠️ Warning: A state “millionaire” threshold may apply to income beyond wages, including capital gains, bonuses, and pass-through income. Underpayment can trigger interest and penalties.
Workers arriving from F-1 or J-1 status can face transition-year complexity. Many F-1 students are “exempt individuals” for Substantial Presence Test counting for up to five calendar years, under Publication 519.
Once they change to H-1B and begin counting days, they can move quickly into resident status. State residency rules do not always track federal rules, so a dual-status federal year can still produce full-year state residency in some cases.
Federal deadlines and reporting to watch
State proposals also arrive as taxpayers keep up with federal deadlines and reporting. For tax year 2026 (returns filed in 2027), high earners commonly deal with estimated payments, foreign tax credits, and foreign asset reporting.
IRS international resources are collected at irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers, and forms can be found at irs.gov/forms-pubs.
Quick reference: what is being proposed
| State | Proposal | Rate | Threshold | Earliest timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | HB 188 | 10% bracket | Over $1,000,000 | 2026 session proposal |
| Virginia | HB 979 | 8% and 10% brackets | $600,000–$1,000,000 and over $1,000,000 | 2026 session proposal |
| Washington | “Millionaire’s Tax” | 9.9% | Net income over $1,000,000 | Earliest 2029 |
| California | Wealth tax initiative | One-time 5% | Billionaire wealth | 2026 ballot context |
Key dates to watch
| Item | Date window | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia legislative action | 2026 session | Bills may be amended, merged, or fail |
| Washington session | Jan 12–Mar 12, 2026 | Proposal scope and legal framing may change |
| California initiative | 2026 cycle | Ballot qualification and wording will drive impact |
📅 Deadline Alert: If your state tax rises, adjust 2026 withholding or quarterly estimated payments early. Estimated tax deadlines generally fall in April, June, September, and January.
What to do now
Track whether HB 188 or HB 979 advances in committee, and watch whether Washington’s plan is drafted as an excise tax and how courts respond.
If you are near the $600,000 or $1,000,000 income marks, ask your payroll team about withholding changes. If you have foreign income or accounts, coordinate state planning with federal reporting under Publication 519 and your Form 1040 filings.
- Monitor bill progress and committee actions
- Discuss withholding and estimated payments with payroll or your CPA
- Coordinate state residency planning with federal reporting obligations
⚠️ 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.
