Maryland lawmakers work on tax-relief proposals – WBAL

ANNAPOLIS, Md. —The state Senate unanimously passed the state budget Thursday, sending it to the House — and income tax relief is not far behind.

The tax-relief proposal covers a wide range of incomes, but critics contend it mostly benefits the wealthy.

“The proposals we are making aren’t incredibly significant, but they are tax reductions,” Senate Budget and Taxation Committee Chairman Ed Kasemeyer said.

Over a five-year period, Marylanders who earn $100,000 or more, the decrease in tax liability is going to range from 1 to 3 percent. The relief reduces the state’s top four tax brackets and it includes joint filers with incomes over $150,000.

Benjamin Orr, the executive director of the Maryland Center on Economic Policy, believes this relief will only benefit wealthy taxpayers.

“The largest benefit goes to those who need the help the least. In fact, it really ends up being targeted. The most relief goes to those who make on average $1.6 million a year. So it really helps those at the top the most,” Orr said.

 

Full Coverage