FREDERICK, MD - Some people in Maryland will get a surprise when they look at their tax bill.
In a special session the Maryland General Assembly approved increasing taxes for people who make more than $100,000 a year and couples who make more than $150,000 a year. Those changes take effect this week.
"They will go up for most people anywhere from five to 15-percent, and what they'll also see is that they'll be retroactive. I think Maryland families are suffering under the current economy and really don't need to be sending more and more to the government," said Sen. David Brinkley, (R) - Frederick County.
Brinkley voted against the increase, and Senator Ron Young voted for it. Young says he made the decision to avoid cuts in education.
"There should be a way to get an education, to improve yourself and to climb the ladder. We should never take that opportunity away from anybody that's willing to work and climb that ladder to make something of themselves," said Young, (D) - Frederick and Washington Counties.
Taxpayers had mixed reactions to the tax increase.
"I think it's a really difficult period of time to decide whether that's good or not because in most cases, people with money are struggling just as much as those without," Josh Barrett said.
"People who have been diligent in following a career path and have put the time and effort in should reap the benefits, and when you're taxed on $150,000 for a couple, you're being punished for it," Lana Early said.
Many Marylanders will be paying more to flush their toilets. What's known as the "flush tax" on septic systems has doubled from $30 to $60 a year. The money will go to help clean up pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.
"The Chesapeake Bay is a major economic engine of the state," Young said. I don't think most people realize what it does or how it affects us."
A small part of Garrett County won't have to pay the "flush tax," but it will effect much of the county along with Allegany, Washington, and Frederick Counties.
"Well, guess what? The money that came in did go to address some of that, but also Governor O'Malley raided some of the funds to balance the budget," Brinkley said.
Some people who normally receive a refund may end up owing state taxes since the changes are effective beginning in January of this year.
