Title

"Maine Perspectives" piece on a study of Maine's tax system, authored by Daphne

Authors

Douglas Rooks

Source

Maine Times

Date

1-7-1999

Pages

17

Abstract

"Maine Perspectives" piece on a study of Maine's tax system, authored by Daphne Kenyon of the Economic Policy Institute in Washington, which confirms that Maine is a "high tax" state. Kenyon points out that measured per capita, taxes are only average, and that Maine has an unusually progressive income tax. The figures come from 1993, when Maine tax rates were at their peak, and show Maine with total taxes of 12.3 percent of income against the national average of 11 percent. Even tax-averse New Hampshire had a rate of 10.1 percent. Kenyon suggests Maine should obtain more revenue from three areas: broadening the sales tax; adopting a value-added tax on business activity; and repealing the exclusion of Social Security benefits. Details on her plan, which includes a tax on food, and how its impact would be moderated for low-income residents.

Subjects

Taxation

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