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Deadline to opt out of WA Cares payroll tax approaching

The deadline to opt out of Washington State’s long-term care payroll deduction is approaching.

State officials say about 200,000 residents who qualify for an exemption have not applied.

The ‘WA Cares Fund’ allows eligible residents to collect up to $36,500 to pay for meals, transportation, respite care, and other needs.

In order to fund the program a .58% payroll tax will be imposed on Washington employees. That’s about $290 per year for somebody making $50,000 annually.

The deadline to apply for an exemption is Thursday and the payroll tax goes into effect on July 1.