The State of Vermont has sent $192 million in tax refunds to Vermonters so far for Tax Year 2025 – thanks, in part, to a multi-million-dollar tax relief package signed into law last June.
Vermont’s last second-home tax came in $6 million light. The new promises are seventy times bigger.
The state’s own report says it can’t yet count the houses, models a rate less than half what the biggest promise requires, and warns the whole category could be erased before it ever takes effect.
Becca, Bernie, and Peter back benefits expansion for DACA and noncitizens
The Vermont delegation is behind LIFT the BAR. Nobody has priced it.
Legislative crackdown on Health Care Sharing Ministries could raise costs for ratepayers, taxpayers
As Vermont’s health care insurance rates climbed higher than neighboring states, the Vermont Legislature this year tried to crack down on what some Vermonters of faith consider a more preferable, more cost-effective alternative: the health care sharing ministry (HCSM).
Taxpayers’ rights group comes to Vermont
“For too long, Vermont has been part of a policy experiment that too often fails to ask a basic question: who pays?”
In statewide reappraisal, your house is worth whatever Vermont says it is
According to the 2026 Property Valuation and Review Report, Vermont estimates that taxable property statewide is currently assessed at only about 70% of its fair market value. That doesn’t mean your tax bill is about to jump overnight, but it does mean the state is preparing for more frequent reappraisals designed to close that gap.
Vermont taxpayer debt among worst in nation
Unfunded public pensions killing Vermont, much as Gov. Scott predicted.
New Hampshire and Vermont: A tale of two states, thirty years later
Three decades have passed. Vermont’s policymakers had every opportunity to read the data and adjust course. They didn’t.
Keelan: Is a wealth tax coming to Vermont?
What is a tax on wealth? Basically, a taxpayer would file a new schedule, a balance sheet, with their annual tax return. A balance sheet, also known as a statement of financial position, lists all of the taxpayers’ assets, less any outstanding debt. The difference is a sum, net worth, or net equity. That sum would then become the basis for the tax rate to be applied, resulting in the tax due.
Keelan: All the crumbling is connected
Crumbling roads. Crumbling schools. Crumbling Bennington Monument. Crumbling tax base. It’s all connected.
Property tax rebellion growing nationwide, not just in Vermont
Don’t look now but repeal of Act 181, the 2024 Act 250 expansion bill enacted over Gov. Phil Scott’s veto in 2024, isn’t the only ongoing citizen rebellion.
Vermont risks reducing revenue by raising taxes
What Is the Laffer Curve? And how does it spell doom for Dem tax plans?
Degree: Out of touch and out of time
Does anyone seriously believe a 7% property tax increase—in a state that already carries one of the highest property tax burdens in the country—amounts to “relief” for Vermonters? Vermont’s House Majority Leader Lori Houghton (D-Essex) says it does.
Steele: As Tax Day approaches, some good news for VT taxpayers
A typical family with two children in Vermont can expect to see higher take-home pay of about $7,400 to $10,600 with the Working Family Tax Cuts, the Small Business Administration claims.
Tagliavia: Property tax freeze bill needs attention
Vermont is one of only three states with no safety-valve restrictions on how much a property tax bill can increase in a given year. In the months ahead, the Legislature should examine how the other 47 states manage this issue, identify policies that could work here, and adapt them to Vermont’s unique circumstances. Property taxpayers deserve both immediate relief and long-term predictability.
Dame: Property tax revolt didn’t fade. It got focused.
Vermont Republicans are committed to moving toward the allowable growth formula in Act 73 that more closely aligns a community’s spending with the with taxes. If that change doesn’t happen, future legislatures may run out of tricks to keep taxes down, and voters may need to send another message to the Democratic Majority in Montpelier.
VT Senate examines new Investment Income Tax
The discussion centered on S.282, legislation that would introduce several tax changes affecting upper-income taxpayers. The bill’s centerpiece is a 4% “wealth proceeds tax” on investment income, modeled on the federal 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax.
Roper: What’s the cost of VT joining NY’s (still non-existent) Cap & Invest carbon tax scheme?
A newly leaked memo says over $4000 per household, $2.23/gal “tax” on gasoline.
Galfetti property tax freeze gets cold shoulder in tax committee
With an estimated 12 percent increase to property tax rates looming and school budget votes knocking on our doors, a Vermont House committee briefly discussed a bill to freeze property taxes.
Sales tax on services would net $497 million, state report says
If the Legislature seizes on the JFO report to enact a broadbased sales tax on services, the state’s next budget could hit $10,000,000,000 – its first-ever 11 figure budget.
Priced out of the Green Mountain State
While a recent Wall Street Journal report highlights that Americans are leaving the country in record numbers, many Vermonters are beginning to view the international border as a financial lifeline.
Vermont eyes retail delivery fee
Although framed as a transportation-related revenue concept, the proposal enters a wider national conversation about how governments handle the economics of app-based delivery services and low-margin convenience markets.
Provato: Voting no against school budget higher than cost-of-living
We need strong incentives or disincentives to change the status quo. We need to make the school systems feel a little more financial pressure from the taxpayers.
Martin: Not enough changes since 2024 Tax Revolt
Be sure to send the message you intend to send with your vote.
Home Delivery Tax would fund e-bikes, equity
“It creates a situation where the very people telling us to drive less are also making it more expensive to have things brought to our doors,” Dodge said.
Senator asks: Are property taxes really too high?
I have very high property taxes. I don’t like to pay property taxes, but I can afford them. And I know that many owners are income sensitized. So, I would like to dig into that premise a little bit more because we throw it around a lot.”
Mileage-based user fee may leave gas tax in rear-view mirror
The initial proposal would apply only to electric vehicles, swapping the current flat EV fee of $89 with a per-mile charge using odometer readings. While officials say broader expansion is not on the immediate horizon, decisions made in the next few months could shape whether MBUF becomes Vermont’s long-term transportation funding model.
Roy: The Vermont taxpayer squeeze continues
Our current legislature seems to have no problem in “raising revenue” by taxing Vermonters more each year to match spending increases. With a $9B budget, Vermont does not have a revenue problem. We have a COST problem. We have a SPENDING Problem.
Bernie asked by high schoolers: how can we ever buy a home?
As for solutions ….. Sanders called for a more progressive tax system and a significant increase in the construction of affordable housing. In other words, Sanders said Vermont should solve the problem by increasing taxes on the income (and likely other assets) of the upper middle class and wealthy, allowing for the reduction or at least stabilization of property taxes , and building more affordable housing.
Beta’s $7.5B IPO could pump millions back into State coffers and startups
As Beta Technology’s wealth converts to cash over the coming year, money will flow back to the state through multiple distinct channels—including three Vermont-based investment funds with substantial local ownership and hundreds of millions in potential capital gains taxes.
Roper: Freeze taxes? Cap spending? How ‘bout both!
This is the kind of bipartisanship we’re talking about!
Gov. plans to use Budget Adjustment Act funds to buy down property tax hike
The proposal addresses an estimated $200 million increase in the education fund, which could result in an average property tax increase of about 12%.
Soulia: Vermont’s quiet tax break that everyone pays for
Vermont’s Use Value Appraisal Program—commonly known as the Current Use Program—has been a central part of the state’s land management approach for more than four decades.
Could VT’s property tax crisis close the door on $2.1 billion in outdoor recreation?
While Vermont property owners who permit recreational use of their land are legally protected, they receive no compensation or tax relief for their generosity.
BREAKING: Statewide property tax projected to rise 12% next year
Scott said education taxes already have risen more than 40% over the last five years while student enrollment, performance, and educational opportunities have declined.
Statewide property reappraisal, and what it means for you
A comprehensive guide to the statewide reappraisal mandate, market disruption, and what Vermont homeowners should understand.
Burlington eyes shifting property tax burden to business, wealthy
Charter Committee hits pause on tax fairness measures, ponders advisory vote
New state law gives veterans tax relief
The bill allows a 100% income tax exemption on military retirement pay and survivor benefits for those earning under $125,000, phasing out by $175,000.
Despathy: Vermont carbon policy is legal plunder
Vermont has both the lowest energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the country. Vermont does not need a greater tax burden. Period.
Soulia: Estimating VT’s real-feel tax burden
On paper, Vermont’s tax burden appears moderate: according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), the combined state and local tax burden ranges from 6.3% for the wealthiest households to 10.6% for the lowest-income earners. But when actual Vermonters break down their paychecks and monthly bills, the numbers often feel much higher—sometimes pushing into the 30–40% range before factoring in basic living costs like housing, fuel, and food.
Tariff income tops $100 billion for 1st time ever
Other key economic metrics strong, White House claims
Highly celebrated tax relief for veterans coupled with benefits for those without a tax ID number
The long-awaited bill comes coupled with provisions that would allow eligible residents to receive public benefits if they lack a tax identification number.
Gov. Scott to hold signing ceremony for bill easing taxes on families, retirees, veterans
The signing ceremony is scheduled for noon at the State House and will be attended by legislators, advocates, and Vermont military retirees.
Roper: A final plea for property tax relief
It’s time for taxpayers’ budgets to come first!
Roper: Vermont has a $9.1 BILLION budget
Ronald Reagan once quipped that government is like a baby, an endless appetite on one end, and no discipline on the other. No place lives up to – or down to as the case may be — that analogy more so than Vermont.
Keelan: three out-of-control engines heading full speed to collision and disaster
The driverless engines of State
Livingston: Trump’s tariff chess
A game-theory breakdown for the NDD (Narrative Dependency Disorder–Points to reliance on media narratives as a substitute for analysis) afflicted
Hartford hit with reappraisal sticker shocker
Hartford recently announced major construction is needed for the high school building after learning PCB levels are considered dangerous and in need of remediation, with no help coming from the state. A lawsuit against Monsanto may be the only thing available outside of increasing taxes.
Rodgers: Taxing veterans?
Everyone in this country owes our military veterans a debt of gratitude. It’s long past time for the Legislature to pay that debt forward.
Roper: Climate activist admits no real savings from “Social Cost of Carbon”
If there’s any benefit at all, it doesn’t get back to the people paying the bills.
Roper: Democrats – again – block efforts to repeal/reform unpopular climate laws
Special interests have issued their marching orders, and the Democrats are obeying.
Roper: Now a $17 million tax increase on beer, wine, & liquor?!
It’s enough to drive you to drink.
MacDonald: Vermont has the third highest total tax burden
Democrats are trying to make NH to be just like the rest of New England.
House leaders’ refusal to exempt military pensions stalls tax reform bill
Momentum ground to a halt on March 25 when Rep. Jed Lipsky (I-Stowe) proposed a floor amendment to add a military pension tax exemption to the package.
Failure to continue Trump tax cuts would cost average VT family $2000+, AFP says
‘My warning to everybody who is thinking about letting these tax cuts fade into history: if you hit households who are already struggling to make ends meet with an unexpected loss of household income, you are going to be in for a whirlwind of a surprise when 2026 comes around,” Roper said.
Roper: Treasurer’s report: “Cap & Invest” Program on Fossil Fuels requires 80¢/gal gas tax to meet GWSA mandates
Low-income, rural Vermonters hit hardest; no safety net program possible.
Thayer: Vermont’s path to tax simplicity
Funding government with a Unified Consumption Tax
Roper: Senate Democrats block vote to repeal Clean Heat Standard
Vermonters expected quick action in 2025 to wipe Act 18 (the Clean Heat Standard law) from the books. That has not happened.
Winooski school tax to drop
“Making some compromises to keep the spending increase in check”
Soulia: VT’s PILOT Program: What it is and how it affects taxpayers
Vermont’s rural taxpayers are subsidizing PILOT payments that disproportionately go to larger municipalities, despite their own financial challenges.
Roper: Pucker up for kissing your sister
Thoughts on Education and Property Tax Reform, Part 1
Soulia: Vermont’s “temporary” hotel voucher program
Originally designed to provide shelter during severe weather, the program’s cost has skyrocketed to tens of millions of dollars annually.
New Senate majority leader: ‘We need to be listening to everyone’
Ram Hinsdale will serve as Vermont Senate majority leader starting Jan. 8, after beating incumbent Majority Leader Alison Clarkson, D-Windsor, in a close contest.
Education secretary proposes overhaul with five large school districts
The idea is to reconnect voters with the impacts of their votes and reign in runaway property taxes, Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders said today.
Roper: Governor Scott wants to lower property taxes and reform public education
Despite the Vermont Teacher’s Union’s assertion, Vermont now spends more per pupil — $27,000 on average – than any other state but one.
Payroll tax would fund proposed Medicaid expansion
Under S 1, if the federal government won’t pay for Medicaid, Vermonters will foot the bill.
School funding overhaul called for by administration
Saunders said while other states clarify the amount of funds they have to work with before they discuss spending, Vermont’s system works the other way around.
Roper: House Democrats circling wagons around Clean Heat Standard
Clean Heat Standard repeal kicked over to Committee controlled by those who made it law in the first place.
Bartley: Balancing reform, affordability, and Vermont’s future
It’s clear: Vermonters are calling for thoughtful reforms to keep our state affordable, functional, and equitable for all residents.
Soulia: $1000 per bill introduced and you pay the tab
$1.2 Million Spent on Legislative Proposals in 2023-2024
Roper: Legislature, resolve to cut spending in the new year
Since 2019, the year before Covid, the state budget has grown from about $5.8 billion to $8.5 billion. That’s a $2.7 billion spending increase in just 4 years.
Keelan: VT nonprofits a new source of State revenue?
The Vermont nonprofit sector is one of the largest sectors of the State’s economy, measured by revenue generated and employees, yet is primarily unregulated.
2024 in Education: Costs rise, performance declines
In 2024, the Green Mountain State saw education costs, aka property taxes, rise more than 13%. All while academic performance continued to decline.
Kinsley: No victory on property taxes this year
What we have is a distribution of resources problem. The resources we have are not making it to the right places to improve (or even maintain) student outcomes.
Vermont State Treasurer press release on returning $1.3 million to Vermonters
The program will rightfully return a total of nearly $1.3 million to over 5,000 Vermonters before the holiday season.
Roper: Climate Council doubles down on Clean Heat/Gas & Diesel carbon taxes
Time to repeal this unelected, worse than useless committee.
Soulia: The massive tax burden hiding in plain sight
How much are you really paying?
Roper: More bad news for unworkable Heat Standard
PUC recommends not adopting obligations; cites lack of data, and harm to low-income Vermonters.
Pharmaceutical companies owe Vermont nearly $3 million in unpaid fees
There are roughly 200 companies on the late-list provided by the state all with outstanding balances totaling close to $3 million as of October.
Roper: Why are property taxes absurdly high?
Money committee chairs simply do not care about taxpayers.
New software tax bill comes due
The expansion of the state sales and use tax to include software is one of two new taxes created by the Vermont Legislature this spring to reduce the 20% school spending property tax increase down to 14%.
VT 5th highest sports betting tax in U.S.
New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island have the highest tax rate for sports-books, at 51%, earning all three Northeast states a collective No. 1 ranking. Vermont, which entered the sports betting market last year, was ranked fifth highest in the nation, according to the report with a 31.7% tax rate on sports betting.
Magwire: High taxes driving out native Vermonters
Wealthy blue state retirees can afford Vermont’s climbing taxes and housing prices. People born, raised and trying to raise a family here can’t.
Roper: Who voted how to make Vermont so freakin’ unaffordable?
The key roll call votes driving up property taxes, energy costs, health insurance premiums and more.
Koch: Much ado about climate change
It’s time we stop trying to “lead the nation” and start trying to “save our neighborhoods.”
IRS enforcement is on the rise
Here’s how to stay prepared year-round.
Legislature imposes child-care tax, but removes promised cap on tuition
Capping the cost of childcare by 1.5% annually would provide financial relief for young parents, justifying the new payroll tax, supporters said.
Cairns: Reassessment, etc. will price many homes out of property tax credits
Increased property assessments won’t increase the amount of the property tax credit.
Beck: How the supermajority operates
It isn’t moderate to impose $17B in carbon fees or increase electric rates by $1B, the super majority voted for these over the Governor’s veto too.
Beck: It isn’t Moderate to crush Vermonters
Clean Heat Standard was designed for the benefit of special interest groups and climate legislators with no understanding of economics, science, or Vermonters.
2025 school property taxes published
More than 30 communities are paying more than 20% more in school property taxes.
Roper: Clean Heat Standard comes with $17 BILLION price tag!
Would require $3.20 per gallon carbon tax on home heating fuel.
Wennberg: Fund each student’s education, not the System
Before Act 60, regardless of the funding formula then in place, every time the property tax reached about 70% of the cost of education, a tax revolt ignited..
Roper: Conservation Law Foundation cashes in on GWSA “Please, Sue Us!” Clause
Vermont taxpayers will foot the massive bill for legal costs
Dame: Smaller paychecks start this week
One estimate indicates we are garnishing the wages of Vermonters to the order of nearly $120 million per year.
Roper: What “Paying Just a Little More” really means
An analysis of the new payroll tax that hit this month.
Roper: The Property Tax gaslighting has begun!
No, a 14% property tax increase is not a decrease.
Shorts: Wild truck chase in Burlington/ Payroll tax takes effect
Stolen F-150 leads police on dangerous chase in the Queen City/ The Vermont Child Care Contribution tax goes into effect beginning today.
Roper: This massive Property Tax increase may be unconstitutional
How’s that for adding insult to injury!
Higley: A perspective on the session
Talk in Montpelier is about how we don’t have nearly enough time to consider all the bills we should, and how we need a doubling of our pay.
