Washington to Apply 95% Tobacco Tax to Nicotine Products in 2026

2026 brings higher minimum wage and expanded nicotine tax to Washington

OLYMPIA – Washington state will introduce a 95 percent excise tax on all tobacco and nicotine products starting Jan. 1, 2026, raising consumer prices and expected to generate over $32 million in revenue. This tax will now include nicotine products like synthetic tobacco for vaping. Additionally, the minimum wage in Washington will increase by 2.8 percent to $17.13 per hour on Jan. 1, 2026, remaining the highest in the country. Workers aged 14 or…

New nicotine tax impacts Kennewick businesses and customers

KENNEWICK, Wash. — A new tax on nicotine products in Washington State starting 2026, has left customers and businesses feeling the impact. The 95% duty on nearly all tobacco products, including vapes and nicotine pouches, is making waves across the…

Washington to Apply 95% Tobacco Tax to Nicotine Products in 2026

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington state will expand its tobacco products excise tax beginning January 1, 2026, applying a 95 percent tax to most nicotine-containing products, including vaping devices and synthetic nicotine items. The change is the result of Senate Bill 5814, approved during the 2025 legislative session. While the bill includes several tax-related provisions, it specifically expands the statutory definition of “tobacco products” to includ…