September 20, 2007 -- CALL TO ACTION:
Stop Tax on Real Property Management Commissions!
Governor O'Malley has released his proposed budget package and included in that package is a tax on real property management commissions. We are urging all our legislators not to include this tax in the proposed budget package.
If this gets in, there will be no stopping the future taxation of ALL real estate commissions. Taxing property management services hurts housing affordability.
Maryland is rated as the 7th most expensive state for rental housing in the country. Charging property owners a 5-6% tax will be passed onto Maryland renters who already have trouble finding safe and affordable property.
Please go to the MAR LEGISLATIVE ACTION CENTER. Take action NOW!.
It is urgent that we let our legislators know that we are opposed to a tax on real property management commissions before the budget package is finalized and they are called back into Special Session to vote on the package.
March 2, 2007 -- MAR Encourages You to Contact Your Legislators
Currently, there are several bills under consideration in the Maryland General Assembly that MAR’s Legislative Committee has assigned a Level 5 rating -- the highest rating that triggers calls for action. Given the swift movement of legislation, the most onerous bill and talking points is included first – HB 448, Sales and Use Tax on Services. This current legislation calls for a sales and use tax on real property management services as well as others and we believe that’s just a start. A sales and use tax is double taxation on specific services and could severely impact housing affordability.
We are urging REALTORS® to contact their legislators via the MAR Legislative Action Center -- PHONE CALLS too. Simply follow the link below and then click on the TAKE ACTION box. Please be sure to carefully read the background and the letter to your legislator regarding HB 448 so that you are very familiar with the issue – especially if you’re calling as well. After carefully reading, scroll down to input your name as well as constituent/home address information. This lets legislators know you reside in their district; thereby, making you a VOTING REALTOR® in their district! They do listen to their constituents and collectively we can make a lot of NOISE... but it can only happen if YOU take action!
The hearing is quickly approaching and we want to maintain pressure with various grassroots activities…additionally, if you are interested in ATTENDING a REALTOR® LOBBY DAY in Annapolis (date to be determined) in opposition to HB 448 or attending the March 14th hearing, please let us know by e-mail reply (we will follow up with logistics soon). Obviously, we need a significantly STRONG REALTOR® representation to show our opposition!
As always, many thanks for your legislative interest and grassroots advocacy – please contact your legislator TODAY…NOW! We can track the level of email activity, however, if you do call your legislator – please be sure to share the information with us! Your feedback is very important!
REALTOR® Legislative ACTION CENTER
To view full text of bill via General Assembly website --
Click here for HB 448 via General Assembly, then on Bill Number for full text.
