[2] The DOR also manages an unclaimed property program that returns unused funds from bank accounts, life insurance policies, customer overpayments, and uncashed checks.
[5] The director of the Department of Revenue is Drew Shirk, appointed by governor Jay Inslee in 2023.
[6] DOR has 15 divisions: administrative review and hearings; audit; business and financial services; compliance; customer experience and communications; executive; human resources; information services; interpretations and technical advice; legislation and policy; property tax; research and fiscal analysis; taxpayer account administration; taxpayer services; and Working Families Tax Credit.
[5] The Department of Revenue was established on July 1, 1967, following the state legislature's decision in 1965 to abolish the existing three-member Washington Tax Commission, which had been operating since 1905.
Sales tax equalization was also introduced, redistributing a portion of revenue to small tax-base jurisdictions.
[11] In 1998, voters approved Initiative 695, which repealed the motor vehicle excise tax and mandated a flat $30 tab fee.
[17] During a three-month period in 2011, DOR conducted its first amnesty program, allowing taxpayers to pay any outstanding taxes without associated penalties and interest.
[23] In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DOR closed its offices to the public in March 2020 and transitioned 1,200 employees to remote working.
[27] The 2021 legislative session also saw the passing of SB 5096, which established a 7% capital gains tax on individual profits exceeding $250,000.