Taxing advertising
Maryland Digital Advertising Ruling Shouldn’t Stop Other States from Considering Ad Taxes
August 26, 2026 • By Nick Johnson
Consumers are increasingly bombarded with advertisements based on our personal data. This explosion in targeted advertising is leading state policymakers to revisit the tax treatment of advertising, which has long been exempt from sales tax.
It's the first official week of summer, and while many of us are planning vacations, state lawmakers remain busy finalizing and debating tax proposals.
An advertising tax offers a way to raise significant money from a sector of the economy that has been getting a free ride for decades.
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