Taxpayers in one of the state?s wealthiest counties might have to pay more than others in the state under Gov. Martin O?Malley?s tax package, some Howard lawmakers said.
“It?s going to affect very few counties and hit them hard,” said Republican Sen. Allan Kittleman, District 9, adding it?s very likely some Howard taxpayers could pay more than those in other counties.
O?Malley?s plan for cutting a $1.7 billion deficit includes raising the personal income tax for those making more than $185,000 a year from 4.75 percent to 6 percent, andto 6.5 percent for those making more than $500,000.
Statewide, 3.7 percent of taxpayers would see higher income tax, according to O?Malley.
Del. Gail Bates, R-District 9A, said she was “really concerned” that more Howard residents would bear the burden from the tax increase.
Del. Elizabeth Bobo, D-District 12B, said some of her constituents accept that taxes have to go up, and others have told her they don?t want to see an increase.
About 4 percent of Howard taxpayers would see an increase, Bobo said, and “that sounds pretty low to me for one of the wealthiest counties.”
Many members of the delegation said they oppose raising the sales tax, saying low-income working families would be hurt by the 1-percent hike.
The Columbia Association has lobbied hard against the proposal to expand the sales tax to include services such as fitness and property management, said Del. Shane Pendergrass, D-District 13. The group, which manages recreational facilities in Columbia, is urging lawmakers not to tax gym and health club memberships.
“I have to agree taxing healthy behavior is very far down on my list of things I want to do,” Pendergrass said.
Del. Guy Guzzone, D-District 13, said he hasn?t heard a “great outpouring” of concern about higher earnings being taxed more, and that the strongest reaction has been in opposition to taxing health club memberships.
A closer look
Under Gov. Martin O?Malley?s proposed tax hike:
» A single adult earning $250,000 would pay $771 more in income tax; an individual making $750,000 would pay $7,997 more
» A married couple with two children earning $750,000 would pay $7,028 more
Source: Governor?s office
