Higher Taxes in Maryland
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Higher Taxes in Maryland
As Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) and other Maryland county executives consider raising revenue to help close projected budget shortfalls for fiscal 2009, they are considering the impact on taxpayers already affected by tax and fee increases passed at the state and regional level:
Water rates set by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission are on track to rise by 8 percent in July for an average annual increase of $44.
Starting in June, BGE customers will pay $1,910 on average a year, $100 more than the current average bill; Pepco customers on average will pay $1,722, $62 more than the current average.
In January, Metro imposed the largest fare increase in its history, raising rates for rush-hour suburban commuters who park and ride by $11.25 a week, or $585 a year.
Also in January, Maryland began imposing the largest tax increase in state history as the result of a special legislative session to close a projected $1.5 billion budget gap:
State sales tax increased from 5 to 6 percent.
Tobacco tax doubled, to $2 per pack.
Corporate income tax increased from 7 to 8.25 percent.
Vehicle excise tax rose from 5 to 6 percent, although residents might pay less in taxes if they buy cars with a trade-in.
Changes in the personal income tax system provided a break for low-income residents while raising rates to a top rate of 5.5 percent for high-income residents.
In July, the state sales tax is scheduled to extend to computer services, although the General Assembly is debating whether to repeal the new tax.
