Rhode Island Proposes ‘Taylor Swift Tax’ for Luxury Homes

Categories: Rhode Island Business NewsRhode Island News

Luxury second homes in Rhode Island face new tax proposals.

News Summary

Rhode Island lawmakers are introducing a proposed tax dubbed the ‘Taylor Swift Tax,’ targeting luxury second homeowners with properties valued over $1 million. This tax would impose an annual fee on homes that remain vacant for over 183 days. The bill has received strong support from the House and Senate, with the potential financial impact on high-profile homeowners like Taylor Swift being a point of discussion. The proposal aims to address wealth inequality but has drawn criticism regarding its potential effects on tourism and the housing market.

Rhode Island Introduces Proposed “Taylor Swift Tax” to Target Luxury Second Homeowners

Rhode Island lawmakers are proposing a new tax, colloquially referred to as the “Taylor Swift Tax,” aimed at luxury second homeowners. This tax would primarily affect properties valued over $1 million that are not used as primary residences, imposing an annual fee of $2.50 for every $500 of the home’s value above the million-dollar threshold.

The legislation, which is part of a broader $13.9 billion state budget proposal, received overwhelming support in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, passing with a 66 to 9 vote. It has also cleared the Senate and now awaits the approval of Governor Dan McKee. Should it be signed into law, the tax would specifically target homes that remain vacant for more than 183 days each year.

Potential Financial Impact on Celebrity Homeowners

Among those potentially affected by this proposed law is music superstar Taylor Swift, who purchased her Rhode Island mansion, known as High Watch, for approximately $17.75 million in 2013. If implemented, Swift could face an additional $136,000 in annual taxes due to her property falling under the new guidelines.

In total, Swift is known to own seven homes spread across the United States, including properties in major cities such as New York City, Beverly Hills, and Nashville, in addition to her Rhode Island residence.

Support and Opposition to the Proposed Tax

Supporters of the “Taylor Swift Tax,” including Rhode Island Senator Meghan Kallman, argue that the legislation addresses issues of income and wealth inequality in the state’s tax system. They assert that lower and middle-income residents often bear a heavier tax burden than wealthy property owners. The proposal arises at a time when nearly 47% of homes sold for over $1 million from 2019 to 2024 in Rhode Island were purchased by out-of-state buyers who may not reside in the state year-round.

Critics, including the Rhode Island Association of Realtors, have expressed concerns that this tax could deter high-end buyers and negatively impact the state’s tourism industry, potentially harming Rhode Island’s economy as a whole. They argue that an increase in luxury second-home ownership has already exacerbated housing affordability issues for local residents, driving up prices and making it more challenging for them to purchase homes.

Additional Tax Proposals Part of the Budget

In addition to the “Taylor Swift Tax,” the proposed budget also includes an increase in the conveyance tax, raising it from $2.30 to $3.75 per $500 of home sale price. This increase is expected to create greater financial burdens for sellers, especially impacting families and retirees looking to transition within the housing market.

Proponents of both the luxury home tax and the increased conveyance tax emphasize that the revenue generated from these measures will be utilized to fund essential services, including healthcare and education. The taxes are also positioned as a means to support affordable housing projects, a pressing need in light of Rhode Island’s ongoing housing shortage.

Projected Start Date for the Tax Implementation

If the legislation receives the governor’s signature, the proposed taxes could take effect as early as July 2026. The outcome of this initiative underscores a significant shift in tax policy aimed at wealthy property owners in Rhode Island, as the state grapples with balancing effective revenue generation and the economic implications of such changes.