Could Sound Transit push a head tax to make up deficit? Sounder evening commute at Tukwila Station on May 28, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Sound Transit) Sound Transit is staring down a more than $11 billion budget shortfall, thanks to the global pandemic and resulting recession. The board is looking at every option to find the money, including a potential employer head tax. I will get to that head tax in a moment because it’s most likely the final option for the board, but let me set the stage for you. Sound Transit is hurting for financing, despite the $54 billion approved under ST3.