Mass. Governor's Income Tax Proposal Would End Parsonage Exemption; Continue No Charitable Deduction

Last week the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation published an analysis of Gov. Deval Patrick's FY 2014 tax proposal. Among the 44 personal exemptions and deductions the Governor proposes eliminating from the state income tax is the exemption for the rental value of parsonages provided to members of the clergy. It is estimated that the elimination of the parsonage allowance will increase state revenues by $2 million to $2.5 million. Also the Governor proposes eliminating the provision that would restore the personal charitable deduction if personal income tax rates reach 5%. [Thanks to Don Clark for the lead.]