Death and Taxes (and Death)

In the midst of a Federal government shutdown and the roll out of a national healthcare overhaul, it’s probably as good a time as any to mention that Maine's sales tax has jumped to 5.5%.

This and other tax increases were part of the state budget passed by the Legislature that went into effect October 1^st. The tax rate on hotel rooms, meals at restaurants and alcoholic beverages sold on premises has also gone up from 7% to 8%.

The good news is the tax hikes are ‘temporary,’ which means we’ll only have to pay it until June 30^th, 2015.

You may also notice your favorite magazine, newspaper or comic book costing a bit more. Maine has repealed a sales tax exemption for most publications and they are now subject to a 5.5% sales tax.  Maine Revenue Services says if the first issue of a new subscription is on or after October 1, the sale price of the subscription will be taxable.

So have a drink, read the paper and enjoy your government shutdown.