Sales Tax Deductions Passes the Senate Finance Committee

Seattle (ap) - a measure that would extend state and local sales tax deductions for people in Washington has passed out of the senate finance committee as part of legislation that would renew tax breaks for businesses.

The sales tax deduction for residents of Washington and other states without income taxes is being supported by Sen. Maria Cantwell and other senators. the overall bill passed Thursday by 19-5 vote.

Whether it will ultimately be passed by congress is uncertain. About 850,000 people in Washington claim the sales tax deduction, and the average savings per person is about $478.