MD House GOP Responds to Tax on Services Bill

The Maryland House Republican Caucus released a statement in response to HB 1515 which would expand the sales tax to more services.

“Taxing Marylanders in this manner is outrageous,” said House Minority Leader Delegate Jason Buckel.

“We already know that the sales tax is one of the most regressive forms of taxation, having the greatest impact on those already struggling to make ends meet. Expanding the sales tax to cover services is unconscionable, and Maryland citizens should let the Democratic majority know that – loud and clear.”

House Bill 1515 specifically carves out seven service classifications that will not be subject to the tax – educational services, health care or social assistance services, services provided by religious organizations, grantmaking or giving services, services provided by social advocacy organizations, services provided by civic or social organizations, and services provided by trade, labor, or political associations. Virtually every other service Marylanders pay for – hairstyling and manicures, food and grocery delivery, pet grooming and dog walking, legal and accounting services – all of these services and more will be subject to the expansion of the tax.

“This tax will impact every part of our citizens’ lives,” said House Minority Whip Delegate Jesse Pippy. “From getting your hair cut to having your car repaired, or even calling a plumber. Every Marylander will be paying more for the services they need. Putting this on the backs of our citizens during a time when they are still battling high inflation – it is just wrong!”

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟏 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟏 𝐚𝐦. 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟕, 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟖 𝐚𝐦 -𝟔 p.m.