Turn Your State Taxes into Local Impact.
Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program
Think of this as a win for your business and a win for downtown.
Through the Washington Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program, eligible businesses can invest directly in their local Main Street program and keep more of their tax dollars working here at home.
When your contribution is approved by the Department of Revenue, you receive a Business & Occupation or Public Utility Tax credit worth 75% of what you gave. In other words, your money doesn’t disappear into the void. It helps fuel downtown revitalization, support local businesses, and strengthen the place we all rely on.
Smart move. Big impact. And yes, the paperwork is absolutely worth it.
Thank you to our 2025 contributors!
Thank You
Your contributions through the Main Street Tax Credit Program help keep Downtown Walla Walla thriving. We appreciate your support!
-
The Mill
Hummingbird Tea Co
35th+Butter
Clarette's Restaurant
The Maple Counter Café
Pine Cone Creamery
Colville Street Patisserie
Destination Crossfit
Shks Architects
Baker-Boyer National Bank
Banner Bank
City of Walla Walla
-
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.
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.
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.
