Reporters Jamie Smith Hopkins and Scott Calvert chatted with readers earlier today on the findings of The Sun's investigation of Maryland's Homestead Property Tax Credit.
>> Continue the conversation on The Real Estate Wonk blog
Chat Wrap: Sun Investigation: Taxing Baltimore
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Jamie Smith Hopkins at 8:41 PM December 28, 2011
Hi, chappy -- here's where you can find the answer to your question and others that weren't answered during the live chat: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/business/realestate/blog/2011/12/homestead_credit_qa.html
chappy10 at 9:20 AM December 20, 2011
To clarify, I think it would be good for the Sun to release the list it submitted to the city/state for a few reasons: 1) Gives notice to some of these people so they can perhaps fix the problem themselves--the best solution to such problems, 2) Transparency to your readers by letting them know "the story behind the story" or at least how you're arriving at the number of "double dippers" you report in the story, 3) It's public information and it would be generally good if it were public, 4) It would show that you stand behind your reporting and the methodology you used to arrive at that number and, lastly, 5) it would comport with the Sun's stated motto of "Light for All" by shining a light on financial matters at a time when the city needs money to do things like keep rec centers open and keep firehouses fully staffed.
Far from shaming people, I think posting your "working list" would put people on notice. If your methodology was simply to cross-reference last names, I'd be willing to bet a lot of my family is on the list because virtually all of us live in Greektown and have similar names due to the common practice of naming children after grandparents.
The big issues for the city, it seems to me, are the fact that the Homestead Credit isn't capped or means-tested, producing regressive consequences. Plus the fact you lose your HC if you move, even if to another city house.
chappy10 at 12:30 AM December 20, 2011
Is there a reason the Sun did not release its list of "double dippers"? I note that you did talk to some people who were wrongly receiving the tax break, and you mentioned them by name, but I'm surprised you didn't make the full list public. It seems like that is public information and should be made public. I am wondering if I am missing something?
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