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