Statewide 988 behavioral health crisis response & suicide prevention line tax

What is the Statewide 988 behavioral health crisis response & suicide prevention line tax?

It is a monthly tax on switched access (wireline) lines, radio access (wireless) lines, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) lines. The tax is also due on sales of prepaid wireless services.

How do I pay the tax?

The tax is collected from the customer by the telephone service provider or prepaid wireless retailer and reported by the business on their excise tax return.

What rate do I pay?

• From Jan. 1, 2023 and after, the rate is $0.40 per line or retail sale of prepaid wireless service.
• From Oct. 1, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2022, the rate is $0.24 per line or retail sale of prepaid wireless service.

What are the funds used for?

The statewide 988 behavioral health crisis response & suicide prevention line tax funds Washington’s 988 behavioral health crisis response & suicide prevention line. This behavioral health emergency line will be part of a nationwide crisis response system.