Washington’s 8% luxury surcharge on vehicles and aircraft priced above $100,000 is catching business owners off guard in 2026. The tax applies only to the amount over the threshold, but total tax burdens on high-value purchases can exceed $80,000 on a $500,000 asset. Business titling alone doesn’t eliminate exposure – Washington focuses on actual use, not just ownership structure. Legitimate planning tools exist, including lease structures, trade-in credits, and commercial aviation exemptions, but they require pre-purchase analysis and proper documentation. The most common trap is assuming a business entity on the title settles the matter, only to face audit exposure later. For Bellevue-area business owners considering major asset acquisitions, getting the structure right before closing is far less costly than correcting it afterward.
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Testimonials
Bryn’s work is exemplary. Well thought through, thorough, and balanced. Bryn is very good as weighing the risks involved against the issue being reviewed. He’s an excellent advisor because he gives you the good, the bad and the ugly of each issue and helps you figure out the best route to take.
Ned R.
Bryn is an extremely attentive business-focused attorney driven to “get the deal done”. Always willing to share experiences, advice and observations from a legal perspective, Bryn makes extraordinary efforts to understand the business side of issues and the potential opportunities therein.
Woody J.
I enjoy working with Bryn. He is great at picking up the legal details that I miss when we are putting contracts together. He is thorough and asks great questions. His legal knowledge is excellent and he is often able to provide a challenge that leads to a better result.
Ian D.
I have worked with Bryn on projects at Tree Top Inc. and I found Bryn to be detailed and professional in his approach to legal counsel. Bryn’s willingness to understand the business needs, and subsequently assuring those business needs are met in the intent and spirit of all contracts and agreements, is invaluable.
Joel Y.
Over a number of years, I worked directly with Bryn in his capacity as corporate counsel for Growers Express (Green Giant Fresh). Bryn oversaw legal matters for a number of diverse agribusinesses including a large captive insurance company. Bryn is detail oriented and very proactive when it comes to assuring the business interests he represents avoid unnecessary liability and exposure. He was a valued member of the team and worked well in a fast paced, complex environment. I highly recommend Bryn Peterson as a competent and reliable corporate counsel.
Tom R.
Bryn has been an outstanding lawyer to work with. He is conscientious and always on top of things. Not only does he stay on top of the small details of the job, but also keeps the big picture in focus. He is personable and easy to work with, and has a good sense of humor. Highly recommended!
Elton L.