For W2 income, Washington remains the best tax deal in tech
No state income tax on salary, bonus, or RSU vesting. For a household relocating from California on $1M of compensation, that is six figures a year, every year.
The honest picture
The capital gains tax applies only to large realized gains, and never to real estate. For most relocating W2 households the net move is strongly favorable, and the planning point is simply to arrive informed: know the thresholds, keep the sell-at-vest habit, and put the real estate exemption to work from the start.
The buy-side service
Corridor orientation across Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, Sammamish, Mercer Island, and Seattle. School and commute mapping against your actual offer. Competitive-offer execution in low-inventory segments, including off-market access where the corridor demands it. And a first-principles briefing on the current tax landscape so nothing surprises you in year three.
This is not tax or legal advice. Aditya Kasturi is a licensed real estate broker, not a CPA, attorney, or financial advisor. Figures are illustrative, based on Washington and federal law as understood at the time of writing, and laws change. Confirm any strategy on this page with your CPA and, where relevant, your estate planning attorney before acting.
Common questions
Do my RSUs get taxed by Washington when they vest?
No. Vesting is wage income, and Washington has no wage income tax. The state tax applies only if you later sell at a gain above the annual threshold.
Can you help before we've landed?
Yes. Remote orientation, video tours, and a purchase timed to your start date are standard. Many clients buy on a scouting trip, not after arrival.
Start with your numbers
Tell me where you are in the decision and I'll come back with real figures, not a pitch.
Relocating to the Eastside?
Start with the corridor briefing. It saves months of wandering.
Book a Tax-Impact Property Review