March 6th, 2024 by WCBC Radio
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce, along with a coalition of businesses, local and regional chambers and associations from across the state, strongly opposes House Bill 1515. This legislation, titled “Sales and Use Tax – Rate Reduction and Services,” is a misguided attempt to fund critical priorities through a massive $2.9 billion tax increase on Maryland residents and businesses.
While HB 1515 proposes lowering the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5%, it would simultaneously expand the sales tax to a wide variety of everyday services that have never been taxed before, including, but not limited to:
- Accounting and financial planning services
- Child care services
- Legal and appraisal services
- Real estate services
- Shipping and delivery services
- Transportation, towing and parking services
- Auto mechanic services
- Grocery delivery, gym memberships, personal training services
- Home repair and improvement services
- Home cleaning and mold remediation services
- Landscaping and tree removal services
- Dry cleaning and laundry services
- Nail salon, barber shop and beauty salon services
- Veterinary and pet grooming services
- Advertising, public relations, printing and media streaming services
- Funeral services
