WashingtonHB 12612025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Providing tax relief for certain incidental uses on open space land.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Compatible uses preserve farm and timber tax breaks

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington recognizes compatible side uses within existing limits: 20% of classified farmland and 10% of classified timberland. Examples include wetland protection, gravel pits, farm woodlots, produce stands, and needed unpaved parking. Classified farms can also keep their tax status after minor upgrades or limited educational, recreational, or event uses at existing structures. Examples include seasonal farm festivals and weddings; structures must still qualify as supporting farm operations, within the 20% limit. This existing-structure protection covers neither new construction nor major redevelopment.

More farm products count toward tax eligibility

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington farms of at least five but under 20 acres can count more products toward tax eligibility. The land must be used mainly for agriculture. Qualifying income includes the wholesale value of products donated to nonprofit food banks or feeding programs. It also includes the wholesale value of products sold to people who harvest them on that land. These amounts count toward the $200-per-acre yearly income test for three of the five calendar years before applying.

Shorter tax lookback for departing farms

For Washington farmland removed or withdrawn from tax classification on or after September 1, 2025, the tax lookback is shorter. The additional property tax covers the prior four years instead of seven. It equals the difference between taxes paid under classification and taxes otherwise due during those years. This shorter period can lower the amount owners owe when farmland leaves classification.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Sam Low
Republican • House

Cosponsors

April Berg
Democratic • House
Greg Nance
Democratic • House
Strom Peterson
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 146 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/14/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/7/2025