What the I-645 School-Funding Warning Leaves Out
The ballot says I-645 would decrease funding for schools, universities, and healthcare. It doesn't say when the money would arrive, or what the decrease is measured against.
Recent writing
The Startup Law Blog
Practical legal guidance on QSBS (Section 1202), equity compensation, startup formation, financing, and Washington State tax issues for founders, investors, and startup employees.
Latest posts
Washington’s Income Tax Is the Wrong Answer
Washington can make its tax system fairer without accepting every argument for an income tax. A falling spending-to-income ratio is not a needs assessment, and more revenue is not a substitute for budget discipline.
Washington's Income Tax Has No Prior-Year Safe Harbor for First-Time Filers
Washington's new income tax has no prior-year estimated-tax safe harbor for first-time filers. A founder or early employee in an exit year can pay the entire tax with a timely filed return and still face a penalty.
A K-1 Is Not a Check: Washington’s Income Tax and Undistributed Business Profits
A K-1 is not a check. Starting with 2028 income, Washington’s 9.9% tax can reach profits owners never receive in cash. Here is the two-owner example.
My 2026 Washington Supreme Court Endorsements
My five Washington Supreme Court endorsements, and the constitutional reasoning, votes, and judicial experience behind them.
Why I Support Initiative 645
Opinion • October 3, 2026 I support Initiative 645. The way a startup employee’s restricted stock units can turn years of work into one year of taxable wages is one reason why. Imagine an employee…
Can an S Corporation Get QSBS? The C-Corporation Subsidiary Strategy
S corporation stock is not QSBS. But an S corporation may hold qualifying stock in a new C-corporation subsidiary. Here is how the strategy works—and where it can fail.
You Got an M&A Term Sheet. Do the Tax Planning Before the Deal Gets Too Far Along
A serious M&A term sheet is a tax-planning alarm clock—not a universal tax cutoff. Identify QSBS, gifts, domicile, structure, and §280G issues before the deal gets too far along.
Washington Estate Tax: 2026 Exemption, Rates & Filing Guide
Washington estate tax explained: 2026 exemption changes, 10%–20% rates after July 1, filing deadlines, married couples, and planning for founders.
Washington’s Millionaires’ Tax Can Reach Business Profits You Haven’t Received
If you own an S corporation or an LLC taxed as a partnership, your cash distributions don’t determine your tax bill. Retaining profits in the business can leave you with a personal tax obligation—and less cash to pay it.