Maryland Realtors will be amassing in Annapolis today to protest a number of proposed taxes being considered in this special session that affect real estate.  Because Gov. O'Malley's tax package is so broad, there's been little news coverage on these taxes, but you should know about the proposals and pass the information on to your clients.

 The state is looking at adding four luxury taxes - one of which is property management fees.  This will affect apartment renters, homeowners living in property-managed HOA's & condos, seniors in managed, age-restricted housing, as well as small businesses who lease.  The Maryland Association of Realtors is also warning that this is the first step before taxing sales commissions.  http://www.MDRealtor.org.

What really makes this tax insulting is that the other three luxuries we are linked with are tattoo parlors, escort services, and massage parlors.

Please contact your local legislators to protest this tax. Addresses and phone numbers are available at the MDRealtor site.