After indicating that all Maryland taxpayers would not see increases in their state taxes due to the recent federal tax law changes, surprise! Gov. Larry Hogan and the General Assembly changed their minds and have enacted a stealth tax increase on at least 9 percent of Maryland taxpayers (“Despite assurances, 9 percent of Maryland taxpayers are likely to pay more for 2018,” March 26).
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller cavalierly replied to this change of heart by saying, “We’re not here to reward corporations or the upper 1 percent.” Apparently, the difference between the “upper 1 percent” and the other 8 percent of Maryland taxpayers affected by this change is a mere insignificant rounding error to President Miller.
I have complained to out-of-state friends in the past about Maryland’s high state and local taxes and more recently about the impact of the federal tax law changes on me both in my federal and state tax returns. Their response? Move to a low-tax state. Indeed, I personally know a number of people who have done so, including a family member.
To Amazon executives who are thinking of locating their HQ2 in Maryland, take note!
John B. Sinclair, Towson