Franchot says decision striking Md. digital ad tax shouldn’t be appealed

Maryland’s chief tax collector said a decision striking down the state’s digital ad tax should not be appealed. Instead, Comptroller Peter Franchot, who is the named party in a lawsuit challenging the tax, on Friday called for lawmakers to revisit the policy. “While the enactment of this law was well-intended, with revenue dedicated to funding the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, its constitutionality — coupled with the tax’s residual impact on small businesses that utilize digital advertising services — continue to give me pause on the prudence of this law,” Franchot said in a statement. Franchot and Senate President Bill Ferguson, the main sponsor of the law, have opposing views on an appeal that set up an unusual conflict between state entities both represented by the Office of the Attorney General. Despite Franchot’s opposition, an appeal seems likely.