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Read. Follow. Verify.Vermont creates Wealth Tax Commission to study investment gains and asset taxation
Last action · January 8, 2026: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Ways and MeansSponsor: Edward Waszazak
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What This Bill Would Do
Vermont establishes a Wealth Tax Commission to study the taxation of wealth and investment gains that currently escape income taxation, requiring a final report by November 1, 2027. The measure appropriates $125,000 to the Joint Fiscal Office in 2027 to hire an expert facilitator and covers up to 12 per diem meetings for legislative members.
The measure commits $125,000 in state funds to establish a panel that will evaluate potential new tax mechanisms for investment gains and asset wealth, which could alter future tax obligations for high-net-worth residents and out-of-state property owners.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Wealth Tax Commission members
Commission members are appointed to study tax policy, attend meetings, and draft a report for the legislature.
Joint Fiscal Office
The office receives a $125,000 appropriation and must provide administrative assistance and contract with an expert facilitator.
High-net-worth taxpayers and property owners
Taxpayers holding significant assets or investment gains may be subject to future tax policy recommendations developed by the commission.
Key Facts
- The bill establishes the Wealth Tax Commission to study taxation of wealth and investment gains that escape income taxation.
- The commission includes a member of the House, a member of the Senate, the Commissioner of Financial Regulation, and the Commissioner of Taxes.
- The Joint Fiscal Office is directed to contract with a facilitator knowledgeable in wealth taxes and mark-to-market income tax reform.
- The commission must study valuation of nonpublic assets, treatment of net worth losses, handling of real estate wealth, and interstate coordination.
Show all 9 facts
- The commission must submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance by November 1, 2027.
- The facilitator must call the first meeting of the Commission on or before September 15, 2026.
- The Commission ceases to exist on July 1, 2028.
- Legislative members are entitled to per diem compensation and expense reimbursement for up to 12 meetings during adjournment.
- The sum of $125,000.00 is appropriated to the Joint Fiscal Office from the General Fund in fiscal year 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary job of the Wealth Tax Commission?
When is the commission required to report its findings?
How much funding is allocated for this study?
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Jan 8, 2026HouseIntroducedRead first time and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
legislature.vermont.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance40How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy55Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
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