(ROCKVILLE, MD) – January 14, 2008 – The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce today launched www.FightTheTechTax.com a new web site created in response to the six percent Computer Services Sales Tax recently passed in the Maryland General Assembly. The site includes numerous resources for technology companies seeking information on what they can do to repeal the tax.
The Computer Services Sales Tax has been levied against a broad range of Maryland technology services, including computer system planning to design, data recovery, and information storage. If not repealed, the tax is set to go into effect July 1, 2008. Opponents say the tech tax will hit small businesses and growing companies the hardest because they stand to lose business as well as growth opportunities. In addition, the tax will be an administrative nightmare. Other states such as Florida, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania have all repealed similar computer services sales taxes for a number of reasons including the administrative burden such taxes have imposed.
"This tax is very troublesome," said Julie Coons, Chief Executive Officer of TCM. "If Maryland, which has a huge technology sector, passes this tax, other states are likely to follow. Technology companies throughout the nation are watching Maryland."
"Innovative technologies fuel business growth and job creation," said Kathy Snyder, President and CEO of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. "Regardless of company size or industry sector, Maryland businesses rely on computer services. This tax will harm Maryland's economic development goal of maintaining a high-tech knowledge economy and workforce."
The web site features talking points, frequently asked questions, blogs and advice on how to defeat the tax. The site also encourages those affected to contact their legislators and gives tips on the best way voice their concerns.
TCM and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and more than 30 organizations, such as AOL, CPSI, and numerous local business organizations to fight the tax. Those interested in how Maryland is taxing its technology companies should go to www.FightTheTechTax.com.
###
ABOUT THE TECH COUNCIL OF MARYLAND, INC.
The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) is the largest technology trade group serving the advanced technology and biotechnology communities of Maryland. TCM's mission is to advocate for the interests of the technology community, further the role of technology in the Maryland economy, and nurture an environment where technology companies can collaborate, grow and succeed. For more information, visit www.techcouncilmd.com.