Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program

Turn Your State Taxes into Local Impact.

Instead of sending your Washington State B&O taxes to Olympia, you can redirect them to Downtown Walla Walla.

Through the Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program, your business will receive a 75 percent tax credit on the total amount you contribute. Your tax dollars stay right here, supporting the small businesses, programs, and public spaces that make Downtown Walla Walla vibrant and welcoming.

This is your opportunity to invest in the future of downtown while fulfilling your state tax obligations. It is simple, impactful, and a win for your business and your community.

How it Works

Program Timeline and Availability

  • The Main Street Tax Credit Program opens on January 1 and operates in quarterly phases. When businesses pledge contributions to Downtown Walla Walla, they receive a 75 percent credit towards their business and occupation tax liability.

  • If you pledge before March 31, your contributions are guaranteed to stay in Downtown Walla Walla. They are not shared with other communities.

  • On April 1, any unused credits are released into a statewide pool, and the program becomes competitive. At that point, businesses across the state can apply for remaining credits on a first come first served basis.

  • If credits are still available by October 1, a final application window opens, offering one last opportunity to pledge.

Quarterly Breakdown

Quarter 1: January through March
Noncompetitive. Up to $121,951 in credits are available for businesses who contribute to DWWF.

Quarter 2: Opens April 1 at 8 a.m.
Competitive. Communities can access up to $160,000 in credits. Applications are first come first served until the community or statewide cap is reached.

Quarter 3: Opens October 1 at 8 a.m.
If credits are still available, the cap increases to $250,000 in credits.
The statewide cap is $5 million annually. Once credits are claimed, they are gone for the year.

How to Participate

  1. Pledge Early – Submit your pledge through the WA Department of Revenue by March 31, 2025. If you miss this deadline, make sure you pledge asap starting April 1 at 8 a.m.

  2. Receive Confirmation – Once your pledge is approved, we will send you an invoice.

  3. Make Your Contribution – Send your payment to the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation by October 31, 2025.

  4. Claim Your Credit In January 2026, you will have the tax credit (worth 75% of your contribution) available in your DOR account.

FAQ

  • 75% Tax Credit – Businesses receive a state B&O tax credit equal to 75% of their contributed amount, keeping tax dollars working locally.

    Eligibility – Businesses must be registered to file state excise taxes electronically to participate.

    How to Pledge – Pledges must be submitted online through the WA Department of Revenue, selecting the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation as the credited community.

    Payment Timeline – Contributions can be made throughout the year, but the full pledged amount must be received by October 31, 2025.

    Tax Credit Usage – The tax credit must be applied in the year following the contribution and cannot be carried forward.

    Limited Availability – After March 31, 2025, tax credits are first-come, first-served statewide, and availability is not guaranteed.

    Exact Payment Required – Contributions must match the pledged amount exactly. If a business needs to adjust its pledge, it must contact the WA Department of Revenue before making a payment.

  • January 13, 2025 (8 a.m.) – Pledging opens. $121,951.23 in tax credits is guaranteed for the first quarter.

    March 31, 2025 – Last day to guarantee a tax credit.

    April 1, 2025 (8 a.m.) – Any unclaimed credits are redistributed statewide on a first-come, first-served basis until the total statewide cap is reached. Once the statewide cap is met, no additional pledges will be accepted.

    October 31, 2025 (5 p.m.) – Last day for businesses to ensure their contributions are received if they pledged on or before this date.

    November 18, 2025 – Any unclaimed or canceled credits are redistributed statewide on a first-come, first-served basis.

    December 15, 2025 (5 p.m.) – Final deadline for all contributions.

  • What is the Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program?

    This program allows businesses to redirect their B&O or Public Utility Tax to the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation instead of sending it to the state. In return, businesses receive a 75 percent tax credit on their B&O tax bill the following year.

    Why should I participate?

    Your tax dollars stay local, supporting downtown businesses, events, and economic development. You receive a 75 percent tax credit, and your contribution may also qualify for a federal tax deduction (check with your accountant).

    Who is eligible?

    Any Washington business that pays B&O or Public Utility Taxes and files electronically.

  • When should I pledge?

    Pledge by March 31, 2025, to guarantee your tax credit as long as funds are available within our local cap. After that, unclaimed credits go into a statewide pool and become first come, first served. The later you wait, the higher the risk of missing out.

    What happens after I pledge?

    After pledging through the WA Department of Revenue, wait for confirmation. Once approved, we will send you an invoice.

    When do I need to pay?

    Your full contribution must be received by November 1, 2025, to receive your tax credit.

    Can I pay immediately after pledging?

    No. Wait for confirmation from the Department of Revenue before submitting payment.

  • When can I use my tax credit?

    Your 75 percent tax credit will be available in your DOR account in January 2026 to apply to your 2025 B&O tax bill.

    Can I carry forward unused tax credits?

    No. Tax credits must be used in the year they become available.

    Can I also deduct my donation on federal taxes?

    Possibly. Since DWWF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your contribution may qualify as a charitable deduction. Check with your accountant for details.

  • Pledge: The amount of B&O tax liability you commit to redirecting to DWWF through the Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program.

    Contribution (or Donation): The full amount you contribute to DWWF after approval.

    Tax Credit: The amount the state credits to your account, equal to 75% of your contribution, applied to your 2025 B&O tax bill.

    Apply: The process of submitting your pledge through the WA Department of Revenue to secure your tax credit.

Thank You

Your contributions through the Main Street Tax Credit Program help keep Downtown Walla Walla thriving. We appreciate your support!

  • Coming soon.

  • Marcys Bar & Lounge

    DAMA Wines

    The Mill

    35th+Butter

    The Maple Counter Cafe

    Title One

    City of Walla Walla

    Express Employment Professionals

    Banner Bank

    Baker-Boyer National Bank

    Shks Architects, P.S., Inc.

Learn More at WA Trust for Historic Preservation