Most of the money the state uses to pay for services comes from state taxes. Washington’s major tax sources include the sales tax, the property tax, and a rather unique tax called the Business and Occupation (B&O) tax, which is a tax on [the value of goods and services sold by a business]. Washington is one of seven states that does not levy a personal income tax.

–A Citizen’s Guide to the Washington
State Budget, 2013

How is the business and occupation tax different from other taxes?
It is not part of the state government’s revenue.
It is a tax on the value of items sold by businesses.
It is a tax taken on items when they are sold to customers.
It is a tax on the value of the property owned by businesses.