Change Maryland Releases County-by-County Analysis of Tax Base

County-by-County Analysis of Tax Base

Annapolis - Change Maryland released today an analysis of how the state's 24
jurisdictions are performing in a key metric of their ability to
provide essential government services, improve quality of life and
maintain fiscal responsibility - the rise or fall of the tax base.

The Internal Revenue Service maintains tax file data between tax years
on both the state and county levels.  With this data, it is possible
to determine which counties are increasing, decreasing or are
remaining stagnant when it comes to their tax base.

 "A growing tax base is the ultimate win/win situation in public policy," said

Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan. "It eases the pressure to raise revenues, 

and conversely, a shrinking tax base often leads to a troublesome 

tax-and-spend downward spiral as actual revenues fail to meet estimates."

Some of Maryland's most successful counties in terms of increasing its

tax base are those with smaller populations.  Eastern shore

counties Worcester, Kent, Queen Anne's and Talbot are increasing their

tax base in percentage terms relatively higher than other jurisdictions

throughout the state.  Garrett and St. Mary's are also performing

well.  On the other hand, the state's largest jurisdictions -

Baltimore City and County, Prince George's and Montgomery range from

sharply negative growth to stagnant.

"I'm very encouraged by how well we're doing in the rural and outlying

counties," said Hogan.  "These small economic engines are powering the

state forward by attracting new residents.   Clearly where we need to

see improvement is in our largest jurisdictions.  Baltimore City is

losing its tax base at unacceptable levels and Montgomery County's

stagnant tax base will further tarnish its business reputation as

elected officials seek more revenue to make up for budget shortfalls."

Change Maryland noted this Spring that the state overall has lost its

tax base more than any other state in the region - and seventh highest

nationally.

http://www.changemaryland.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/StateCountyTax.pdf