An Act To Reduce Taxes
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 0850
Committee: Taxation
Sponsors: WATSON, EDMONDS, BEAUDOIN, BERRY, BLANCHETTE, CUMMINGS, PERCY, PIOTTI, SMITH, PERRY
Amends: 36 MRSA §5111, 36 MRSA §5403, 36 MRSA §5124-A, 36 MRSA §5126, 36 MRSA §17, 36 MRSA §1752, 36 MRSA §1760, 36 MRSA §2551, 36 MRSA §2552, 5 MRSA §13090-M, 36 MRSA §1811, 36 MRSA §1812, 36 MRSA §1817, 36 MRSA §2015, 36 MRSA §4641-A, 36 MRSA §4641-B, 36 MRSA §5219-N, 36 MRSA §6207, 36 MRSA §683, 36 MRSA §685, 36 MRSA §684, 36 MRSA §949

Legislative Document 
No. 850 
H.P.649 
House of Representatives, February 23, 2007 
An Act To Reduce Taxes 
Reference to the Committee on Taxation suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative WATSON of Bath. 
Cosponsored by President EDMONDS of Cumberland and 
'Ir/~ /J? 7IIp£~ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: BEAUDOIN of Biddeford, BERRY of Bowdoinham, BLANCHETTE of 
Bangor, Speaker CUMMINGS of Portland, PERCY of Phippsburg, PIOTTI of Unity, SMITH 
of Monmouth, Senator: PERRY of Penobscot. 
Printed on recycled paper 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
PART A 
Sec. A-I. 36 MRSA §5111, first~, as amended by PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. T, § 1, is 
further amended to read: 
A tax is imposed for each taxable year begiflfliflg Ofl or after lafluary 1, 2000, on the 
Maine taxable income of every resident individual of this State. The amount of the tax is 
determined as provided in this section, except that the rates provided in this section for 
tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2008 must be adjusted as provided by section 
5111-C. 
Sec. A-2. 36 MRSA §5111, sub-§l-B, as enacted by PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. T, §3, 
is amended to read: 
I-B. Single individuals and married persons filing separate returns; tax years 
beginning in 2002 to 2006. For tax years beginning OR or after laRUa!)' 1, 2002 in 2002 
to 2006, for single individuals and married persons filing separate returns: 
If Maine Taxable taxable income is: 
The tax is: 
Less than $4,200 
2% of the Maine taxable income 
At least $4,200 but less than $8,350 
$84 plus 4.5% of the excess over $4,200 
At least $8,350 but less than $16,700 
$271 plus 7% of the excess over $8,350 
$16,700 or more 
$856 plus 8.5% of the excess over 
$16,700 
Sec. A-3. 36 MRSA §5111, sub-§l-C is enacted to read: 
I-C. Single individuals and married persons filing separate returns; tax years 
bee:inning after 2006. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2007, for single 
individuals and married persons filing separate returns: 
If Maine taxable income is: 
The tax is: 
Less than $4,750 
2% of the Maine taxable income 
At least $4,750 but less than $9,450 
$95 plus 4.5% of the excess over $4,750 
At least $9,450 but less than $18,950 
$307 plus 7.0% of the excess over $9,450 
$18,950 or more 
$972 plus 8.25% of the excess over 
$18,950 
Sec. A-4. 36 MRSA §5111, sub-§2-B, as enacted by PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. T, §5, 
is amended to read: 
2-B. Heads of households; tax years beginning in 2002 to 2006. For tax years 
beginning .Ofl .Or after JaRUa!)' 1, 2002 in 2002 to 2006, for unmarried individuals or 
legally separated individuals who qualify as heads of households: 
If Maine Taxable taxable income is: 
The tax is: 
Less than $12,500 
2% of the Maine taxable income 
". 
At least $12,500 but less than $37,500 
$250 plus 4.5% of the excess over 
$12,500 
At least $37,500 but less than $75,000 
$1,375 plus 7% of the excess over 
$37,500 
$75,000 or more 
$4,000 plus 8.25% of the excess over 
$75,000 
Sec. A-S. 36 MRSA §Sl11, sub-§2-C is enacted to read: 
2-C. 
Heads of households; tax years beginning after 2006. 
For tax years 
beginning on or after January 1, 2007, for unmarried individuals or legally separated 
individuals who qualify as heads of households: 
If Maine taxable income is: 
Less than $7,150 
At least $7,150 but less than $14,200 
At least $14,200 but less than $28,450 
$28,450 or more 
The tax is: 
2% of the Maine taxable income 
$143 plus 4.5% of the excess over $7,150 
$460 plus 7% of the excess over $14,200 
$1,458 plus 8.25% of the excess over 
$28,450 
Sec. A-6. 36 MRSA §Sl11, sub-§3-B, as enacted by PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. T, §7, 
is amended to read: 
3-B. Individuals filing married joint return or surviving spouses; tax years 
beginning in 2002 to 2006. For tax years beginning OR or after JaRl:laF)' I, 2gg2 in 2002 
to 2006, for individuals filing married joint returns or surviving spouses permitted to file 
ajoint return: 
If Maine Taxable taxable income is: 
Less than $8,400 
At least $8,400 but less than $16,700 
At least $16,700 but less than $33,400 
$33,400 or more 
The tax is: 
2% of the Maine taxable income 
$168 plus 4.5% of the excess over $8,400 
$542 plus 7% of the excess over $16,700 
$1,711 plus 8.5% of the excess over 
$33,400 
Sec. A-7. 36 MRSA §S111, sub-§3-C is enacted to read: 
3-C. Individuals filing married joint return or surviving spouses; tax years 
beginning after 2006. 
For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2007, for 
individuals filing married joint returns or surviving spouses: 
If Maine taxable income is: 
The tax is: 
Less than $9,500 
2% of the Maine taxable income 
At least $9,500 but less than $18,950 
$190 plus 4.5% of the excess over $9,500 
At least $18,950 but less than $37,950 
$615 plus 7.0% of the excess over 
$18,950 
$37,950 or more 
$1,945 plus 8.25% of the excess over 
.$17,950 
Sec. A-S. 36 MRSA §5403, as repealed and replaced by PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. T, 
§ 1 0 and affected by § 11, is further amended to read: 
§5403. Annual adjustments for inflation 
Beginning in ~ 
2007, and each subsequent calendar year thereafter, on or about 
September 15th, the State Tax Assessor shall multiply the cost-of-living adjustment for 
taxable years beginning in the succeeding calendar year by the dollar amounts of the tax 
rate tables specified in section 5111, subsections I B, 2 Band 3 B l-C, 2-C and 3-C. If 
the dollar amounts of each rate bracket, adjusted by application of the cost-of-living 
adjustment, are not multiples of $50, any increase must be rounded to the next lowest 
multiple of $50. If the cost-of-living adjustment for any taxable year is 1.000 or less, no 
adjustment may be made for that taxable year in the dollar bracket amounts of the tax rate 
tables. 
The assessor shall incorporate such changes into the income tax forms, 
instructions and withholding tables for the taxable year. 
PARTB 
Sec. B-1. 36 MRS A §5219-S, first~, as amended by PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. GG, § 1, 
is further amended to read: 
A taxpayer is allowed a refundable credit against the taxes otherwise due under this 
Part equal to ~ 
25% of the federal earned income credit for the same taxable year, 
except that for tax years beginning in 2003, 2004 and 2005, the applicable percentage is 
4.92% instead of 5%. The credit may not reduce the state income tax to less than zero. 
PART C 
Sec. C-1. 36 MRSA §5124-A, first~, as amended by PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. P, §5, is 
further amended to read: 
The standard deduction of a resident individual is equal to the standard deduction as 
determined in accordance with the Code, Section 63, except that for tax years beginning 
after 2002 but before 2007, the Code, Section 63(c)(2) must be applied as if the basic 
standard deduction is $5,000 in the case of a joint return and a surviving spouse and 
$2,500 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return. 
Sec. C-2. Application. 
This Part applies to tax years beginning on or after 
January 1,2007. 
PART D 
Sec. D-1. 36 MRSA §5126, first ~, as amended by PL 2001, c. 583, § 16, is 
further amended to read: 
For income tax years beginning on or after January I, 1998 but before January I, 
1999, a resident individual is allowed $2,400 for each exemption that the individual 
I 
II 
... 
properly claims for the taxable year for federal income tax purposes, unless the taxp~'er 
is claimed as a dependent on another return. for income tax years beginning on or after 
January 1, 1999 but before January 1, 2000, a resident individl:lal is allowed $2,750 for 
each exemption that the individual properly claims for the taxable )'ear for federal income 
tax purposes, unless the taxpayer is claimed as a dependent on another return. 
For 
income tax years beginning on or after January I, 2000 but before January I, 2007, a 
resident individual is allowed $2,850 for each exemption that the individual properly 
claims for the taxable year for federal income tax purposes, unless the taxpayer is claimed 
as a dependent on another return. For tax years beginning on or after January I, 2007, a 
resident individual is allowed the same amount allowed under Section 151 of the Code 
for each exemption that the individual properly claims for the taxable year for federal 
income tax purposes, unless the taxpayer is claimed as a dependent on another return. 
PARTE 
Sec. E-l. 36 MRSA §S122, sub-§l, ~N, as amended by PL 2005, c. 218, §51, is 
further amended to read: 
N. 
With respect to property placed in service during the taxable year, an amount 
equal to the net increase in depreciation or expensing attributable to: 
(I) For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2002 but prior to January 
I, 2006, a 30% bonus depreciation deduction claimed by the taxpayer pursuant to 
Section 101 of the federal Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002, 
Public Law 107-147 with respect to property placed in service during the taxable 
year; 
(2) For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2002 but prior to January 
I, 2006, a 50% bonus depreciation deduction claimed by the taxpayer pursuant to 
Section 20 I of the federal Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 
2003, Public Law 108-27 with respect to property placed in service during the 
taxable year; and 
(3) For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2003 but prior to Janl:lary 
1,2008 January 1, 2007, the increase in aggregate cost used under Section 179 of 
the Code pursuant to Section 202 of the federal Jobs and Growth Tax Relief 
Reconciliation Act of 2003, Public Law 108-27 or pursuant to Section 20 I of the 
federal American Jobs Creation Act of2004, Public Law 108-357; 
PARTF 
Sec. F-l. 36 MRSA §17S2, sub-§l-H is enacted to read: 
I-H. 
Amusement and recreational services. 
"Amusement and recreational 
services" means: 
A. 
All services provided by health clubs, fitness clubs, athletic clubs and personal 
fitness trainers and coaches, other than the sale of meals and the rental of living 
quarters; 
B. Admission to fairs, including state fairs, county fairs, agricultural fairs and book 
fairs; 
C. Admission to sporting events, including horse races; 
D. 
Admission to exhibition shows that are open to the general public, including 
flower and garden shows, animal shows, auto shows and watercraft shows; 
E. 
Admission to motion pictures, concerts, plays, musicals, ballets, operas, comedy 
shows, puppet shows, magic shows, carnivals, circuses and theatrical productions; 
F. Admission to dance halls, amusement parks, theme parks, miniature golf courses, 
snow parks and water parks; 
G. All services, including lessons, provided by flight centers, marinas, golf courses, 
driving ranges, shooting ranges, alpine ski areas, cross-country ski touring centers, 
ice skating rinks, roller skating rinks, dance halls and centers, bowling centers, 
swimming pools, racetracks, billiard parlors, riding stables, whitewater rafting centers 
and recreational athletic facilities of any kind, other than the sale of meals and the 
rental of living quarters; 
H. 
Services provided by, and the charging of fees for admission to or membership 
in, commercial recreational membership organizations, including health and fitness 
clubs, golf clubs, tennis clubs and country clubs, whether payable by annual fee or 
otherwise; 
I. 
Admission to privately owned and operated museums, planetariums, historical 
sites, zoological parks, zoological gardens, wild animal parks, petting zoos, botanical 
gardens and aquariums; and 
J. Airplane, helicopter, balloon, dirigible, blimp, watercraft, railroad, bus and wagon 
rides for amusement or sightseeing purposes. 
Sec. F-2. 36 MRSA §1752, sub-§3-B, as amended by PL 1999, c. 698, § I and 
affected by §3, is further amended to read: 
3-B. Grocery staples. "Grocery staples" means food products ordinarily consumed 
for human nourishment. 
"Grocery staples" does not include spirituous, malt or vinous liquors; soft drinks, iced tea, 
sodas or beverages such as are ordinarily dispensed at bars or soda fountains or in 
connection with bars or soda fountains; medicines, tonics, vitamins and preparations in 
liquid, powdered, granular, tablet, capsule, lozenge or 'pill form, sold as dietary 
supplements or adjuncts, except when sold on the prescription of a physician; water, 
including mineral bottled and carbonated waters and ice; dietary substitutes; candy and 
confections; snack food; and prepared food. 
Sec. F-3. 36 MRSA §1752, sub-§8-C is enacted to read: 
8-C. 
Personal property services. 
"Personal property services" means the 
alteration, cleaning, installation, repair, rental, moving, restoration, storage, appraisal and 
maintenance of personal property, including motor vehicles, watercraft, snowmobiles, all-
terrain vehicles, appliances, bicycles, jewelry, cameras, timepieces, firearms, musical 
• 
I 
I I 
.. 
instruments, electronic and electrical goods, clothing, footwear, leather goods, furniture, 
rugs and carpets. "Personal property services" includes, but is not limited to: 
A. The upholstering and reupholstering of furniture; 
B. Same-day courier and delivery services; 
C. The rental of moorings, slips and docks, but only for noncommercial watercraft; 
D. Dry cleaning, laundry and clothing storage services; 
E. Photograph restoration and photographic film development; 
F. Art restoration and conservation; and 
G. Picture framing. 
"Personal property services" does not include the rental of items subject to a tax under 
chapter 358 or the interstate moving of furniture and other household goods. 
Sec. F -4. 36 MRSA §1752, suh-§8-D is enacted to read: 
8-D. Personal services. "Personal services" means: 
A. 
All services provided by tanning salons, tattoo parlors, massage therapists and 
massage parlors; 
B. Ear and body piercing services; 
C. Dance instruction; 
D. Driving instruction; 
E. Escort, dating and social introduction services; 
F. Flower, balloon and singing telegram delivery services; 
G. Pet grooming and boarding services; 
H. Rental of storage lockers and other self-storage space; 
I. Laundry and diaper services; 
J. Catering services; and 
K. Home grocery delivery service and other home delivery services. 
Sec. F -5. 36 MRSA §1752, suh-§9-E is enacted to read: 
9-E. 
Real property services. 
"Real property services" means the following 
services when provided with regard to real property: 
A. Interior building repair, painting, wallpapering, decorating and designing; 
B. Property maintenance, cleaning and organizing; 
C. Disinfection and pest extermination or control services; 
D. Locksmithing, alarm and security services; 
E. Swimming pool installation, repair, cleaning and maintenance; 
F. Waste management and remediation services; 
G. Rug and carpet installation, cleaning and repair; 
H. Floor maintenance, including sanding, polishing, waxing and coating; 
I. Chimney sweeping and cleaning services; and 
J. Hot tub installation, repair, cleaning and maintenance. 
Sec. F-6. 36 MRSA §1752, sub-§l1, ~A, as amended by PL 2005, c. 218, §14, 
is further amended to read: 
A. 
"Retail sale" includes-:- conditional sales, installment lease sales and any other 
transfer of tangible personal property when the title is retained as security for the 
payment of the purchase price and is intended to be transferred later. 
II 
(I) Conditional sales, installment lease sales and any other transfer of tangible 
personal property when the title is retained as sec\1rity for the payment of the 
p\1rchase price and is intended to be transferred later; and 
(2) 8ale of prod\1cts for internal h\1man consumption to a person for resale 
thro\1gh vending machines ,.."hen sold to a person more than 50% of ,.."hose gross 
receipts from the retail sale of tangible personal property are derived from sales 
thro\1gh vending machines. The tax m\1st be paid by the retailer to the 8tate. 
Sec. F-7. 36 MRSA §1752, sub-§14,~, as amended by PL 2005, c. 675, §1 
and affected by §2, is further amended to read: 
B. "Sale price" does not include: 
(1) Discounts allowed and taken on sales; 
(2) 
Allowances in cash or by credit made upon the return of merchandise 
pursuant to warranty; 
(3) The price of property returned by customers, when the full price is refunded 
either in cash or by credit; 
(4) The price received for labor or services used in installing or applying or 
repairing the property sold, if separately charged or stated unless the labor or 
services are taxable services as defined in subsection 17-B; 
(5) Any amount charged or collected, in lieu of a gratuity or tip, as a specifically 
stated service charge, when that amount is to be ~isbursed by a hotel, motel, 
restaurant or other eating establishment to its employees as wages; 
(6) The amount of any tax imposed by the United States on or with respect to 
retail sales, whether imposed upon the retailer or the consumer, except any 
manufacturers', importers', alcohol or tobacco excise tax; 
(7) The cost of transportation from the retailer's place of business or other point 
from which shipment is made directly to the purchaser, provided that if those 
charges are separately stated and the transportation occurs by means of common 
carrier, contract carrier or the United States mail; 
.. 
" 
(8) The fee imposed by Title 10, section 1169, subsection 11; 
(9) The fee imposed by section 4832, subsection 1; 
(10) The lead-acid battery deposit imposed by Title 38, section 1604, subsection 
2-B; or 
(11) Any amount charged or collected by a person engaged in the rental of living 
quarters as a forfeited room deposit or cancellation fee if the prospective 
occupant of the living quarters cancels the reservation on or before the scheduled 
date of arrival. 
Sec. F-S. 36 MRSA §1752, sub-§14-F is enacted to read: 
14-F. 
Snack food. 
"Snack food" means any item that is ordinarily sold for 
consumption without further preparation or that requires no preparation other than 
combining the item with a liquid; that may be stored unopened without refrigeration, 
except that ice cream, ice milk, frozen yogurt and sherbert are snack foods; and that is not 
generally considered a major component of a well-balanced meal. "Snack food" includes, 
but is not limited to, corn chips, potato chips, processed fruit snacks, fruit rolls, fruit bars, 
popped popcorn, pork rinds, pretzels, cheese sticks, cheese puffs, granola bars, breakfast 
bars, bread sticks, roasted nuts, doughnuts, cookies, crackers, pastries, toaster pastries, 
croissants, cakes, pies, ice cream cones, marshmallows, marshmallow creme, soft drinks, 
ice cream sauces, ready-to-eat puddings, beef jerky, meat bars and dips. 
Sec. F-9. 36 MRSA §1752, sub-§14-G is enacted to read: 
14-G. Soft drinks. "Soft drinks" means nonalcoholic beverages that contain natural 
or artificial sweeteners. "Soft drinks" does not include beverages that contain milk or 
milk products; soy, rice or similar milk substitutes; or more than 50% vegetable or fruit 
juice by volume. 
Sec. F-IO. 36 MRSA §1752, sub-§17-B, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 673, Pt. Y, 
§ 19 and affected by §29, is repealed and the following enacted in its place: 
17-B. Taxable service. "Taxable service" means: 
A. Rental of living quarters in a hotel, rooming house or tourist or trailer camp; 
B. Transmission and distribution of electricity; 
C. Rental or lease of an automobile; 
D. Sale of prepaid calling service; 
E. Amusement and recreational services; 
F. Personal services; 
G. Personal property services; 
H. Real property services; 
I. Lawn and landscaping services, including tree trimming and removal; and 
J. Taxi and limousine services. 
Sec. F-ll. 36 MRSA §1760, sub-§4, as amended by PL 1967, c. 89, is repealed. 
Sec. F-12. 36 MRSA §1760, sub-§12-A, as amended by PL 1995, c. 634, §1 and 
affected by §2, is repealed. 
Sec. F-13. 36 MRSA §1760, sub-§20, as amended by PL 1991, c. 546, §20, is 
further amended to read: 
20. Continuous residence; refunds and credits. Rental charged to any person who 
resides continuously for 28 d~rs 100 days at anyone hotel, rooming house, or tourist or 
trailer camp if: 
lOA. The person does not maintain a primary residence at some other location; or 
B. 
The person is residing away from that person's primary residence in connection 
with employment or education. 
Tax paid by such person to the retailer under section 1812 during the initial 2-&-day 100-
day period must be refunded by the retailer. Such tax reported and paid to the State by the 
retailer may be taken as a credit by the retailer on the report filed by the retailer covering 
the month in which refund was made to such tenant. 
This subsection applies to all rentals of any hotel, rooming house or tourist or trailer camp 
for occupancy on or after July 1, 1991 regardless of the date on '""hich payment for the 
rental is made. 
Sec. F-14. 36 MRSA §1760, sub-§24 is repealed. 
Sec. F-15. 36 MRSA §1760, sub-§34, as amended by PL 2005, c. 218, §23, is 
repealed. 
Sec. F-16. 36 MRSA §1760, sub-§52, as enacted by PL 1985, c. 737, Pt. A, §96, 
is repealed. 
Sec. F-17. 36 MRS A §1760, sub-§64, as amended by PL 2003, c. 588, §10, is 
repealed. 
Sec. F-18. 36 MRSA §2551, sub-§6-A is enacted to read: 
6-A. Motor vehicle parking. "Motor vehicle parking" means the provision of 
space, other than metered space, in a parking lot having 30 or more spaces. 
Sec. F-19. 36 MRSA §2551, sub-§20, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 673, Pt. V, §25 
and affected by §29, is amended to read: 
20. 
Telecommunications services. 
"Telecommunications services" means all 
telecommunications services as described in this subsection. 
A. "Telecommunications services" includes: 
I 
( I) The provIsIOn of 2-way interactive communications through the use of 
telecommunications equipment, exclusive of mobile telecommunications 
services; ami 
(2) 
Two-way interactive mobile telecommunications services provided by a 
home service provider to a customer whose place of primary use is within this 
State, to the extent those services are associated with transmissions that originate 
and terminate within this State or within any other state. For purposes of this 
paragraph, the term "state" includes the District of Columbia and any territory or 
possession of the United States~ ; and 
(3) Directory advertising services. 
II 
B. 
"Telecommunications services" does not include: 
( I ) 
Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, service originating or 
terminating outside this State and billed to a business customer; 
(2) Access services; 
(3) Directory advertising services; 
(4) 
The sale of unbundled network elements for use In the provision of 
telecommunications services; 
(5) The lease of telecommunications equipment; 
(6) Prepaid calling service; or 
(7) Mobile telecommunications services provided by a home service provider to 
a customer whose place of primary use is not within this State. 
Sec. F-20. 36 MRSA §2552, sub-§l, ~C, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 673, Pt. Y, 
§25 and affected by §29, is repealed. 
Sec. F-21. 36 MRSA §2552, sub-§l, ~, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 673, Pt. Y, 
§25 and affected by §29, is repealed. 
Sec. F-22. 36 MRSA §2552, sub-§l, ~-1 is enacted to read: 
0-1. Rental or lease of tangible personal property; 
Sec. F-23. 36 MRSA §2552, sub-§l, ~-2 is enacted to read: 
0-2. Motor vehicle parking; 
Sec. F -24. Application. That section of this Part that amends the Maine Revised 
Statutes, Title 36, section 1760, subsection 20 applies to all rentals of any hotel, rooming 
house or tourist or trailer camp for occupancy on or after January I, 2008, regardless of 
the date on which payment for the rental is made. 
Sec. F -25. Effective date. This Part takes effect October 1, 2007. 
Page \0 - 123LR0676(OI)-1 
PARTG 
Sec. G-l. 5 MRS A §13090-K, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. 
UUUU, § 1, is amended to read: 
2. Source of fund. Beginning July 1, 2003 and every July I st thereafter, the State 
Controller shall transfer to the Tourism Marketing Promotion Fund an amount, as 
certified by the State Tax Assessor, that is equivalent to 5% of each of the 7% tii* and 8% 
taxes imposed on tangible personal property and taxable services pursuant to Title 36, 
section 1811,. for the first 6 months of the prior fiscal year after the reduction for the 
transfer to the Local Government Fund as described by Title 30-A, section 5681, 
subsection 5. Beginning on October I, 2003 and every October I st thereafter, the State 
II 
Controller shall transfer to the Tourism Marketing Promotion Fund an amount, as 
certified by the State Tax Assessor, that is equivalent to 5% of each of the 7% tii* and 8% 
taxes imposed on tangible personal property and taxable services pursuant to Title 36, 
section 1811, for the last 6 months of the prior fiscal year after the reduction for the 
transfer to the Local Government Fund. The tax amount must be based on actual sales 
for that fiscal year and may not consider any accruals that may be required by law. The 
amount transferred from General Fund sales and use tax revenues does not affect the 
calculation for the transfer to the Local Government Fund. 
Sec. G-2. 5 MRSA §13090-M is enacted to read: 
§13090-M. Maine Quality Places Fund 
1. Fund established. The Maine Quality Places Fund, referred to in this section as 
"the fund," is established in the department as a nonlapsing dedicated account. 
2. Sources of fund. The fund may receive the proceeds of notes or bonds issued by 
the State for the purpose of deposit in the fund and any other funds from any public or 
private source received for use for any of the purposes for which the fund has been 
established. 
Beginning July 1, 2008 and every July I st thereafter, the State Controller shall transfer to 
the fund an amount, as certified by the State Tax Assessor, that is equivalent to 1 % of the 
8% tax imposed on tangible personal property and taxable services pursuant to Title 36, 
section 1811 for the first 6 months of the prior fiscal year after the reduction for the 
transfer to the Local Government Fund as described by Title 30-A, section 5681, 
subsection 5. Beginning on October 1, 2008 and every October 1 st thereafter, the State 
Controller shall transfer to the fund an amount, as certified by the State Tax Assessor, 
that is equivalent to 1 % of the 8% tax imposed on tangible personal property and taxable 
services pursuant to Title 36, section 1811 for the last 6 months of the prior fiscal year 
after the reduction for the transfer to the Local Government Fund. The tax amount must 
be based on actual sales for that fiscal year and may not consider any accruals that may 
be required by law. 
The amount transferred from General Fund sales and use tax 
revenues does not affect the calculation for the transfer to the Local Government Fund. 
3. Use of the fund. The fund must be used for: 
Page II - 123LR0676(OI)-1 
A. Promoting the revitalization of towns and cities through the Municipal Investment 
Trust Fund established in Title 3D-A, section 6006-0; 
B. Augmenting ongoing land and farm conservation and protecting traditional uses 
and farm conservation through the Land for Maine's Future Fund established in 
section 6203; and 
C. Promoting outdoor recreation and high-quality tourism. 
Sec. G-3. 36 MRSA §1811, first~, as amended by PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. TTTT, 
§2 and affected by §3, is further amended to read: 
II 
A tax is imposed on the value of all tangible personal property and taxable services 
sold at retail in this State. The rate of tax is +% 8% on the value of liquor and prepared 
food sold in licensed establishments as defined in Title 28-A, section 2, subsection 15, in 
accordance with Title 28-A, chapter 43; 7% on the value of other prepared food; +% 8% 
on the value of rental of living quarters in any hotel, rooming house or tourist or trailer 
camp; 10% on the value of rental for a period of less than one year of an automobile; +% 
on the vall:le of prepared food; and 5% on the value of all other tangible personal property 
and taxable services. Value is measured by the sale price, except as otherwise provided. 
Sec. G-4. 36 MRSA §1812, sub-§l, ~ 
is enacted to read: 
E.lfthetaxrateis8%: 
Amount of Sale Price 
$0.01 to $0.06, inclusive 
.07 to .18, inclusive 
.19 to .30, inclusive 
.31 to .43, inclusive 
.44 to .55, inclusive 
.56 to .68, inclusive 
.69 to .80, inclusive 
.81 to .93, inclusive 
.94 to 1.00, inclusive 
Amount of Tax 
Sec. G-S. 36 MRSA §1812, sub-§l, ~ 
is enacted to read: 
F. If the tax rate is 15%: 
Amount of Sale Price 
$0.01 to $0.03, inclusive 
.04 to .09, inclusive 
.10 to .16, inclusive 
.17 to .22, inclusive 
.23 to .29, inclusive 
.30 to .36, inclusive 
Amount of Tax 
!'age 12 - 123LR0676(Ol)-1 
.37 to .42, inclusive 
.43 to .49, inclusive 
.50 to .56, inclusive 
.57 to .62, inclusive 
.63 to .69, inclusive 
.70 to .76, inclusive 
.77 to .82 inclusive 
.83 to .89, inclusive 
.90 to .96, inclusive 
.97 to 1.00, inclusive 
II 
Sec. G-6. 36 MRSA §1817 is enacted to read: 
Qt 
li 
.8i 
U 
1Qf 
ill 
ill 
ill 
ill 
ill 
§1817. Support for conservation and inland fisheries and wildlife 
1. Transfer. Beginning October I, 2007, the State Controller shall transfer to the 
Outdoor Fund, established in subsection 2, an amount, as certified by the State Tax 
Assessor, that is equivalent to 0.5% of revenue from the tax imposed on tangible personal 
property and taxable services pursuant to Title 36, section 1811, after the reduction for 
the transfer to the Local Government Fund as described by Title 30-A, section 5681, 
subsection 5. The tax amount must be based on actual sales for that month and may not 
consider any accruals that may be required by law. The amount transferred from General 
Fund sales and use tax revenues does not affect the calculation for the transfer to the 
Local Government Fund. 
2. 
Outdoor Fund. The Outdoor Fund is established as a non lapsing dedicated 
account. 
The fund receives funds under this section. 
The balance of the fund, as 
allocated by the Legislature, may be used to fund activities of the Department of 
Conservation and the Department oflnland Fisheries and Wildlife. 
Sec. G-7. 36 MRSA §2015, sub-§2,~, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 701, §8 and 
affected by § I 0, is amended to read: 
B. 
Three tenths Two-tenths of the amount of tax paid to the State by the taxpayer 
resulting from the tax on the rental of automobiles for a period of less than one year 
during the most recently completed period from July I st to June 30th. 
Sec. G-8. Effective date. This Part takes effect October 1,2007. 
PART H 
Sec. H-1. 36 MRSA c. 720 is enacted to read: 
CHAPTER 720 
SOFT DRINK AND SYRUP TAX 
§4851. Definitions 
Page I3 - 123LR0676(Ol)-1 
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms 
have the following meanings. 
1. 
Bottle. 
"Bottle" means any closed or sealed glass, metal, paper or plastic 
container or any other type of container regardless of the size or shape of the container. 
2. Bottled soft drink. "Bottled soft drink" means any ready-to-consume soft drink 
contained in a bottle. 
3. Distributor, manufacturer or wholesale dealer. "Distributor, manufacturer or 
wholesale dealer" means any person who receives, stores, manufactures, bottles or sells 
bottled soft drinks, syrup, simple syrup or powder or base products for mixing, 
compounding or making soft drinks for sale to retailers or other manufacturers, wholesale 
dealers or distributors for resale purposes. 
4. Milk. "Milk" means natural liquid milk regardless of animal source or butterfat 
content; natural milk concentrate, whether or not reconstituted, regardless of animal 
source or butterfat content; or dehydrated natural milk, whether or not reconstituted. 
5. Natural fruit juice. "Natural fruit juice" means the original liquid resulting from 
the pressing of fruit, the liquid resulting from the reconstitution of fruit juice concentrate 
or the liquid resulting from the restoration of water to dehydrated fruit juice. 
6. Natural vegetable juice. "Natural vegetable juice" means the original liquid 
resulting from the pressing of vegetables, the liquid resulting from the reconstitution of 
vegetable juice concentrate or the liquid resulting from the restoration of water to 
dehydrated vegetable juice. 
7. 
Nonalcoholic beverage. 
"Nonalcoholic beverage" means any beverage not 
subject to tax under Title 28-A, Part 4. 
8. Place of business. "Place of business" means any place where soft drinks, syrups, 
simple syrups or powder or base products are manufactured or any place where bottled 
soft drinks, syrup, simple syrup, powder or base product or any other item taxed under 
this chapter is received. 
9. Powder or base product. "Powder or base product" means a solid mixture of 
basic ingredients used in making, mixing or compounding soft drinks by mixing the 
powder or other base with water, ice, syrup, simple syrup, fruits, vegetables, fruit juice, 
vegetable juice or any other product suitable to make a soft drink. 
10. Retailer. "Retailer" means any person, other than a distributor, manufacturer or 
wholesale dealer, who receives, stores, mixes, compounds or manufactures any soft drink 
and sells or otherwise dispenses the soft drink to the ultimate consumer. 
11. Sale. "Sale" means the transfer of title or possession for a valuable consideration 
of tangible personal property regardless of the manner by which the transfer is 
accomplished. 
12. Simple syrup. "Simple syrup" means a mixture of sugar and water. 
I 
13. Soft drink. "Soft drink" means any nonalcoholic beverage, whether naturally or 
artificially flavored, whether carbonated or noncarbonated, sold for human consumption, 
including, but not limited to, soda water, cola and other flavored drinks, any fruit or 
vegetable drink containing 10% or less of natural fruit juice or natural vegetable juice and 
all other drinks and beverages commonly referred to as soft drinks, but not including 
coffee or tea unless the coffee or tea is bottled as a liquid for sale. 
14. Syrup. "Syrup" means the liquid mixture of basic ingredients used in making, 
mixing or compounding soft drinks by mixing the syrup with water, simple syrup, ice, 
fruits, vegetables, fruit juice, vegetable juice or any other product suitable to make a soft 
drink. 
§4852. Tax rate 
1. Tax imposed. There is imposed a tax on every distributor, manufacturer or 
wholesale dealer to be calculated as follows: 
A. Four dollars per gallon of syrup or simple syrup sold or offered for sale; 
B. Forty-two cents per gallon of bottled soft drinks sold or offered for sale; and 
C. When a package or container of powder or base product is sold or offered for sale 
in the State, the tax on the sale of each package or container is equal to 42¢ for each 
gallon of soft drink that may be produced from each package or container by 
following the manufacturer's instructions. This tax applies when the powder or base 
product is sold to a retailer for sale to the ultimate consumer after the soft drink is 
produced by the retailer. 
2. Purchase from unlicensed seller. A retailer who purchases bottled soft drinks, 
syrup, simple syrup or powder or base product from an unlicensed distributor, 
manufacturer or wholesale dealer is liable for the tax imposed in subsection 1. 
§4853. Exemptions 
The following are exempt from the tax imposed by section 4852: 
1. Sales to Federal Government. Syrups, simple syrups, powder or base products 
or soft drinks sold to the Federal Government; 
2. Products exported from State. Syrups, simple syrups, powder or base products 
or soft drinks exported from the State by a distributor, manufacturer or wholesale dealer; 
I 
3. Coffee or tea base. Any powder or base product used in preparing coffee or tea; 
4. Juice or vegetable concentrate. Any frozen, freeze-dried or other concentrate to 
which only water is added to produce a nonalcoholic beverage containing more than 10% 
natural fruit juice or natural vegetable juice; 
5. Fruit or vegetable juice. Any nonalcoholic beverage containing more than 10% 
natural fruit juice or natural vegetable juice; 
6. 
Sales to another distributor, manufacturer or wholesale dealer. 
Syrups, 
simple syrups, powder or base products or soft drinks sold by a distributor, manufacturer 
I 
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QLwholesale dealer to a distributor, manufacturer or wholesale dealer who hplds a license 
under section 4855 if the license number of the distributor, manufactur~.LQL~holesale 
dealer to whom the syrups, simple syrups, powder or base products or soft drinks are sold 
is clearly shown on the invoice for the sale that is claimed to be exempt. This exemption 
does not apply to any sale to a retailer; 
7. Infant formula. Any product, whether sold in liquid or powder form, that is 
intended by its manufacturer for consumption by infants and that is commonly referred to 
as infant formula; 
8. Water. Water to which no flavoring, whether artificial or natural, has been added 
and that has not been artificially carbonated; 
9. 
Dietary aids. 
Any product, whether sold in liquid or powder form, that is 
intended by its manufacturer for use as a dietary supplement or for weight reduction; 
10. 
Consumer mix. 
Any powder or base product that is intended by its 
manufacturer to be sold and used for the purpose of domestically mixing soft drinks by 
the ultimate consumer; and 
11. Milk products. Any product containing milk or milk products. 
§4854. Reports 
A distributor, manufacturer or wholesale dealer or any retailer subject to the tax 
imposed by this chapter shall file a monthly return with the assessor and pay the tax on or 
before the 15th day of the month following the month in which the sale or purchase was 
made. The return must be made on a form prescribed by the assessor. The return must 
contain any information the assessor requires for the proper administration of this 
chapter. When a retailer is also acting as a distributor, manufacturer or wholesale dealer, 
the duty to report and pay the tax imposed by this chapter arises when the property is 
transferred to a retail store for sale to the ultimate consumer, as reflected by the records of 
the taxpayer. 
§4855. Licenses 
1. Distributor, manufacturer or wholesale dealer. Any distributor, manufacturer 
or wholesale dealer who sells or offers for sale to retailers within the State syrups, simple 
syrups, powder or base products or soft drinks shall obtain from the bureau a license for 
the privilege of conducting such business within the State. 
2. Retailer. Any retailer who purchases syrups, simple syrups, powder or base 
products or soft drinks from a distributor, manufacturer or wholesale dealer not licensed 
under subsection 1 shall obtain a license from the bureau for the privilege of conducting 
such business. 
3. Location; display. Any person required to obtain a license under this section 
shall obtain a license for each place of business owned or operated by that person. The 
license must be conspicuously displayed at the place of business for which it was issued. 
§4856. Penalties 
I 
1. Failure to file, pay. A person required to file a return and pay tax under this 
chapter is subject to the same penalties as for failure to file and pay sales tax under Part 3. 
2. Failure to obtain license. A person required to obtain a license under section 
4855 who fails to do so is subject to the same penalties as for failure to register as a 
retailer under section 1754-B. 
§4857. Rules 
The assessor may adopt rules under the Maine Administrative Procedure Act to 
provide for the administration of this chapter. These rules may provide for a fee to cover 
the cost of issuing licenses required under section 4855. Rules adopted under this section 
are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. 
II 
Sec. H -2. Effective date. This Part takes effect October I, 2007. 
PART I 
Sec. 1-1. 36 MRSA §4641-A, sub-§l, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 559, Pt. I, §3 
and affected by § 15, is repealed. 
Sec. 1-2. 36 MRSA §4641-A, sub-§l-A is enacted to read: 
I-A. Deeds. A tax is imposed on the grantor and the grantee with regard to each 
deed by which any real property in this State is transferred. The rate of tax that applies to 
each grantee and grantor of the real property is: 
A. For property valued at less than $100,000, $1 for each $1,000 or fractional part of 
$1,000 of the value of the property transferred; 
B. For property valued at $100,000 or more but less than $200,000, $2 for each 
$1,000 or fractional part of $1 ,000 of the value of the property transferred; 
C. 
For property valued at $200,000 or more but less than $300,000, $3 for each 
$1,000 or fractional part of $1,000 of the value of the property transferred; 
D. For property valued at $300,000 or more but less than $500,000, $4 for each 
$1,000 or fractional part of $ 1,000 of the value of the property transferred; 
E. 
For property valued at $500,000 or more but less than $750,000, $5 for each 
$1,000 or fractional part of $1,000 of the value of the property transferred; 
F. For property valued at $750,000 or more but less than $1,000,000, $6 for each 
$1,000 or fractional part of $ 1,000 of the value of the property transferred; and 
G. For property valued at $1,000,000 or more, $7 for each $1,000 or fractional part 
of$1,OOO of the value of the property transferred. 
Sec. 1-3. 36 MRSA §4641-A, sub-§2, ~A, as enacted by PL 200 I, c. 559, Pt. I, 
§3 and affected by § 15, is repealed and the following enacted in its place: 
A. 
The rates of tax on a transferor and a transferee are the same as specified under 
subsection I-A for a grantor and a grantee, respectively. 
.. 
I 
Sec. 1-4. 36 MRSA §4641-A, sub-§2, ~, as enacted by PL 2001, c. 559, Pt. I, 
§3 and affected by § 15, is amended to read: 
B. 
The ta), is imposed 1/2 on the transferor and 112 on the transferee, but if the If a 
transfer or acquisition is not reported to the register of deeds in the county or counties 
in which the property is located and the tax is not paid within 30 days of the 
completion of the transfer or acquisition, the transferor and the transferee are jointly 
and severally liable for the full amount both payments under subsection 2, paragraph 
A. 
Sec. 1-5. 36 MRSA §4641-B, sub-§4, as amended by PL 2005, c. 644, §4, is 
further amended to read: 
II 
4. Distribution of State's share of proceeds. The State Tax Assessor shall pay all 
net receipts received pursuant to this section to the Treasurer of State, and shall at the 
same time provide the Treasurer of State with documentation showing the amount of 
revenues derived from the tax imposed by section 4641-A, subsection + I-A and the 
amount of revenues derived from the tax imposed by section 4641-A, subsection 2. The 
Treasurer of State shall credit ~ 
65% of the revenues derived from the tax imposed by 
section 4641-A, subsection + I-A to the General Fund and shall monthly pay the 
remaining +12 35% of such revenues to the Maine State Housing Authority, which shall 
deposit the funds in the Housing Opportunities for Maine Fund created in Title 30-A, 
section 4853, except that in fiscal year 2003-04, fiscal year 2004-05 and fiscal year 2005-
06, $7,500,000 of the remaining +12 portion of those revenues must be transferred to the 
General Fund before any payments are made to the Maine State Housing Authority and in 
fiscal year 2006-07, $7,687,067 of the remaining +12 portion of those revenues must be 
transferred to the General Fund before any payments are made to the Maine State 
Housing Authority. The Treasurer of State shall credit to the General Fund all of the 
revenues derived from the tax imposed by section 4641-A, subsection 2. 
Sec. 1-6. Effective date. This Part takes effect October 1,2007. 
PART J 
Sec. J-l. 36 MRSA §5219-N, sub-§l, as amended by PL 2003, c. 390, §48, is 
further amended to read: 
1. Generally. 
Except as provided in subsection 2, an individual whose Maine 
taxable income determined as if the individual were a resident individual for the entire 
year is ~ 
$4,000 or less is allowed a credit equal to the tax otherwise imposed on 
that individual by this Part. In no case may this credit reduce the Maine income tax to 
less than zero. 
PART K 
Sec. K-l. 36 MRSA §6207, sub-§l, ~A-l, as amended by PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. E, 
§4 and affected by §§ 7 and 8, is further amended to read: 
I 
A-I. 
Fifty percent of that portion of the benefit base that exceeds 4% but does not 
exceed 8% of income plus 100% of that portion of the benefit base that exceeds 8% 
of income to a maximum payment of ~ 
$3,000. 
PARTL 
Sec. L-l. 36 MRSA §683, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. F, §3 and 
affected by §5, is further amended to read: 
3. Effect on state valuation. fifty percent of the The just value of homesteads 
exempt under this subchapter must be included in the annual determination of state 
valuation under sections 208 and 305. 
Sec. L-2. 36 MRSA §683, sub-§4, as amended by PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. F, §3 and 
II 
affected by §5, is further amended to read: 
4. Property tax rate. fifty percent of the The value of homestead exemptions under 
this subchapter must be included in the total municipal valuation used to determine the 
municipal tax rate. The municipal tax rate as finally determined may be applied to only 
the taxable portion of each homestead qualified for that tax year. 
Sec. L-3. 36 MRSA §685, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. F, §4 and 
affected by §5, is further amended to read: 
2. Entitlement to reimbursement by the State; calculation. A municipality that 
has approved homestead exemptions under this subchapter may recover from the State 
W% 100% of the taxes lost by reason of the exemptions upon proof in a form satisfactory 
to the bureau. 
The bureau shall reimburse the Unorganized Territory Education and 
Services Fund for W% 100% oftaxes lost by reason of the exemption. 
PART M 
Sec. M-l. 36 MRSA §684, sub-§l, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 643, Pt. HHH, §3 
and affected by § I 0, is amended to read: 
1. 
Generally. The bureau shall furnish to the assessor of each municipality a 
sufficient number of printed forms to be filed by applicants for an exemption under this 
subchapter and shall determine the content of the forms. The forms must contain a place 
for the applicant to list the applicant's birth date. A municipality shall provide to its 
inhabitants reasonable notice of the availability of application forms. 
An individual 
claiming an exemption under this subchapter for the first time shall file the application 
form with the assessor or the assessor's representative. 
For an exemption from taxes 
based on the status of property on April I, 1998, the application must be filed by May 15, 
1998. For taxes based on the status of property after April I, 1998, the application must 
be filed by April 1 st of the year on which the taxes are based. 
Sec. M-2. 36 MRSA §949 is enacted to read: 
§949. Suspension of foreclosure for homesteads of persons 65 years of age or older 
.. 
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Notwithstanding the other provisions of this subchapter, a tax liel1 mort~ may not 
be foreclosed with respect to the homestead as defined in section 681 of a person who is 
years of age or older who has been a resident in the homestead for 10 years or longer 
until the real estate is transferred by deed or at the death of the person eligible for the 
suspension of foreclosure provided in this section. Liens on the real estate continue in 
effect until the death of the property owner or the property is otherwise transferred, and 
interest on the unpaid taxes continues to accrue until the lien is satisfied. 
SUMMARY 
This bill provides a framework for comprehensive income and sales tax reform. 
Part A reduces the top rate of the individual income tax from 8.5% to 8.25% for all 
II 
filing statuses. 
Part B increases the earned income credit from 5% of the federal credit to 25% and 
makes it refundable. 
Part C makes the standard deduction under the income tax the same as at the federal 
level, starting in 2007. 
Part D makes the personal exemption under the income tax the same as at the federal 
level, starting in 2007. 
Part E restores conformity with federal law with regard to the deduction of business 
expenses under Section 179 of the United States Internal Revenue Code. 
Part F repeals sales tax exemptions for packaging materials, sales by schools and 
school-sponsored organizations, ships' stores, railroad track materials and snacks and 
repeals special treatment of vending machine sales. Part F extends the sales tax to certain 
long-term rentals, consumer interstate telephone calls, amusement and recreational 
services, personal property services, personal services, real property services, lawn and 
landscaping services and taxi and limousine services. Part F also extends the service 
provider tax to telephone directory advertising, rental and leases of all tangible personal 
property and motor vehicle parking. 
Part G increases the sales tax on short-term auto rentals from 10% to 15%. 
It 
increases the sales tax on lodging and prepared food and liquor at licensed establishments 
from 7% to 8% and provides that the additional revenue from the increase in the tax on 
meals and lodging is transferred to the Maine Quality Places Fund, which is established 
to promote conservation of quality places, outdoor recreation and high-quality tourism. 
Part G also provides that 0.5% of the revenue from the sales tax is transferred to the 
Outdoor Fund, which is established to support activities of the Department of 
Conservation and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The transfer to the 
Outdoor Fund equals approximately the amount of sales tax revenue attributable to 
recreational and sporting equipment, including guns. 
Part H establishes an excise tax on soft drinks equal to $4 per gallon of syrup and 42¢ 
per gallon of bottled soft drinks. 
I 
Part I changes the rate structure for the real estate transfer tax to provide that a 
transferor and a transferee of property must each pay a transfer tax starting at $1 per 
$1,000 of value of the property for property valued at less than $100,000, increasing to $7 
per $1,000 of value for real estate with a value of $1 ,000,000 or more. The revenue from 
the portion of the tax received to the State and attributable to transfers by deed tax is 
credited 65% to the General Fund and 35% to the Housing Opportunities for Maine Fund. 
Part J increases the low-income tax credit from $2,000 to $4,000. 
Part K increase the maximum benefit under the Maine Residents Property Tax 
Program from $2,000 to $3000. 
Part L requires the State to reimburse municipalities for 100% of taxes lost by reason 
II 
of the homestead property tax exemption. 
Part M provides that a lien for unpaid property taxes may not be foreclosed against 
the homestead of a person who is at least 65 years of age and has lived in the homestead 
for at least 10 years until the property is transferred by deed or upon death. Liens would 
continue in effect and would accrue interest until the lien is satisfied. 
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