Washington state gun instructors blast new taxes on legal firearm purchases

Tacoma, Wash., gun owners are bracing for new taxes on the sales of firearms and ammunition — and residents aren't happy about it.

In an 8-0 vote Tuesday night, the city council approved a $25 per gun tax on retail sales and up to $.05 per round of ammunition. The new levies are expected to raise about $30,000 annually, with the money designated for violence prevention programs.

Councilwoman Catherine Ushka described the city’s tax plan as a model that other communities could use in addressing gun violence.

“It gives a signal to other municipalities that it’s something that they can do,” Ushka said, according to the News Tribune.