
Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program
Did you know?
Your Washington State Business & Occupation (B&O) taxes can stay right here in Walla Walla!
Instead of sending your B&O or Public Utility Taxes to Olympia, you can direct them to the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation through the Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program (MSTCIP). In return, you’ll receive a 75% tax credit while investing in a thriving downtown that supports your business and community.
By pledging early, you guarantee your tax credit and ensure your contribution strengthens the businesses, events, and economic vitality of Downtown Walla Walla.
How It Works
Pledge Early – Submit your pledge through the WA Department of Revenue by March 31, 2025. The process takes just a few minutes.
Receive Confirmation – Once your pledge is approved, we will send you an invoice.
Make Your Contribution – Send your payment to the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation by November 1, 2025.
Claim Your Credit – In January 2026, you will have the tax credit (worth 75% of your contribution) available in your DOR account.
Why Participate?
Keep your tax dollars local instead of sending them to Olympia.
Invest in a thriving downtown by supporting businesses, events, and community initiatives.
Potential federal tax deduction – Your contribution may be deductible (consult your accountant).
FAQ
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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 November 1, 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.
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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.
November 17, 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Coming soon.
