More Sales Taxes Coming to Maine?? (Brunswick: vacation home, movies, construction)

[virginia farm girl]

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/

[Mark S.]

I dunno. Given that many of the new taxes are going to be paid by tourists, and because I actually like things like well-paid teachers, police, and good roads, you have to get the taxes from somewhere. I'd rather pay 25 cents more for a haircut than have to cut a teacher or policeman from the payroll.

[mollysmiles]

I would gladly pay fewer taxes, but I agree completely with you Mark. I think we're well taken care of, and I'm not willing to give up some of the conveniences. I've also looked around a bit and discovered that balanced what we receive for what's paid, and what other states contend with, I'm happy. A friend of ours was visiting for the weekend from New Brunswick (Canada) and while we were in the grocery store she asked me what our sales tax is....when I told her she laughed, then said, "No really....". It turns out they're at 14%. Good thing we get to fill out those reimbursement pages after coming back across the border to get THAT back!!

[virginia farm girl]

Originally Posted by Mark S.

I dunno. Given that many of the new taxes are going to be paid by tourists, and because I actually like things like well-paid teachers, police, and good roads, you have to get the taxes from somewhere. I'd rather pay 25 cents more for a haircut than have to cut a teacher or policeman from the payroll.

It seems, to me, that the targeted folks are Maine residents...So, no, it would not be just haircuts that are taxed. Snow removal?:

SERVICES TARGETED FOR STATE SALES TAX

PERSONAL CARE SERVICES related to the body would include nail care, haircuts and tattoos. The category would not include services ordered by a physician. Projected revenue: $10,030,000 REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY services would include dry cleaning, car washing, storage unit rental, electrical and plumbing work, snow removal and boat mooring. The category would not include construction services. Projected revenue: $16,630,000

INSTALLATION, REPAIR and maintenance services would include work on tangible personal property such as computer and office equipment, jewelry, clothes and shoes. Projected revenue: $38,020,000

TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERY services would include intrastate transportation of people and property, from taxi rides to mail and package delivery. Projected revenue: $3,720,000

AMUSEMENT, ENTERTAINMENT and recreational services would include admission to events, movies and parks, and gym memberships. Projected revenue: $19,610,000


Source: Taxation Committee, Maine Legislature

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by virginia farm girl

It seems, to me, that the targeted folks are Maine residents...

Much of it is, yes. But that really isn't unfair, since Maine residents will also receive the most benefits. But tourists do pay a heavy chunk of Maine taxes. I certainly contributed a fair share during our trip to Maine.

When it comes to a balance of goods and services compared to other states -- and especially other countries -- I think Mainahs have it pretty good.

From that article:

The claim that Maine has a narrow sales-tax base is supported by statistics. According to a 2004 study by the Federation of Tax Administrators, a national group representing tax officials, Maine taxed only 24 of 168 types of services, giving itself the 10th narrowest sales-tax base in the country as far as services are concerned.

The Taxation Committee's plan also would bring in enough new money to compensate for the tax dollars that would be lost by lowering income taxes and providing more property-tax breaks.

So Maine's sales tax is still pretty good compared to other states, and given that Maine is lowering income and property taxes (both of which help Mainahs), that money has to be made up from somewhere. I like having the streets plowed in winter, having paved roads, clean water, well-paid teachers, good schools, and a good police force. All of that has to come from taxes.

[Submariner]

nail care,
haircuts,
tattoos
dry cleaning,
car washing,
storage unit rental,
electrical and plumbing work,
snow removal,
boat mooring,
computer and office equipment,
jewelry,
clothes
shoes
taxi rides
mail and package delivery.
admission to events,
movies and parks,
gym memberships

I do not see those as being 'tourist' activities.

[flycessna]

State taxes to not pay for Local police, fire, or teachers. They pay for a State government that has a huge welfare system (I think canada has a big wwelfare system too......hmmm).

[warpedg]

No offense to tourists or people that own SECOND/VACATION homes here but doesnt it seem that the state should just tax the crap out of those people. It seems like a no brainer. I know personally I will never be able to afford a second/vacation home and obviously those people have the money to throw around.

[maineboy51]

"In general the art of government consists in taking as much money as possible from one class of citizens to give it to the other."

Voltaire.

[flycessna]

"No offense to tourists or people that own SECOND/VACATION homes here but doesnt it seem that the state should just tax the crap out of those people. It seems like a no brainer. I know personally I will never be able to afford a second/vacation home and obviously those people have the money to throw around"

No offense! but I thinks its pretty ignorant to think that the state of Maine should tax the crap out of people who come here to vacation and invest in our economy, by just visiting or owning 2nd homes. Those people use extremely little to no services, and of course have a choice where they go. Not to mention, do you really think we have a tax revenue problem as apposed to a spending problem?

Its also disturbing that you think anyone who has a second home has money to throw around. If they do, maybe its because they spent a life time working hard and earning it and not worrying if the state can take care of them!