Income Tax – Capital Gains, Dividends, and Foreign–Derived Intangible Income – Alterations (Investing in Marylanders Act of 2023)
The legislation is expected to enhance the state's ability to generate revenue through an additional tax on capital gains, which supporters argue will create a fairer tax environment reflective of modern income generation methods. This adjustment is particularly relevant in an era where investments in stocks and real estate have become increasingly popular. By explicitly defining tax rates and deductions related to capital gains and dividends, the bill seeks to eliminate ambiguities that taxpayers may face when determining their tax liabilities. However, the added tax burden on capital gains could lead to concerns among investors about the potential slowing of investment activity in the state.
House Bill 337, also known as the Investing in Marylanders Act of 2023, proposes significant alterations to Maryland's taxation of capital gains, dividends, and foreign-derived intangible income. The bill establishes an additional state income tax rate specifically targeting net capital gains for individuals, while providing modifications related to how dividends from real estate investment trusts and foreign-derived intangibles are taxed. This act aims to refine the existing tax code by optimizing the treatment of various income sources, aligning it more closely with the current economic climate and investment strategies.
Opponents of HB 337 may raise concerns about the fairness of taxing capital gains at a higher rate, particularly during economic downturns when individuals rely on investment income. Critics argue that the additional tax could disincentivize investment in Maryland, particularly among high-net-worth individuals. Moreover, the bill may encounter pushback surrounding definitions related to foreign-derived income and how it impacts local businesses engaged in international trade. The potential for increased complexity in tax filings and compliance could further complicate the conversation, making it a contentious issue in legislative debates.