Every once in a while, I feel the need to stand on my soapbox and speak up when something doesn't make sense or is otherwise unfair. This is one of those times.
The story began when I accepted a position in Bedford, MA USA at Shiva Corporation. At that time living in Maine, I had to relocate. We decided to live in New Hampshire not because of the cost (there are no income or sales taxes) but because that is where we want to live. I have become one of the thousands of people who commute from New Hampshire to Massachusetts every day.
Before I accepted the job, I knew that I would have to pay Massachusetts state income tax, at a rate of 5.95%. This is where I differ from most "taxation without representation" sites. I don't have a problem with paying Massachusetts state income tax because I use the roads, some services, etc. (But, I think you could make a case that non residents should pay a lower rate, though I can't figure out who I complain to without representation in Massachusetts. Lowering my taxes is not the point of this essay.) However, I do have a problem with having absolutely no say in how my Massachusetts tax dollars are being spent.
Why should I be treated differently from any Commonwealth of Massachusetts resident who pays income taxes? Isn't this exactly like the British taxing the American colonies without providing representation? Or am I confused?
I don't know of anything I can do to rectify the situation. Do I call my NH politicians? No, this is not about a NH jurisdiction. Do I call politicians in Massachusetts? Who is my Mass. representation? If you have any ideas on things that I can do, I'd appreciate hearing from you. I'll post here any additional information I find out here. Just email me!!
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