WESTERLY, R.I. — Barstool Sports founder and outspoken Swiftie Dave Portnoy is pushing back against Rhode Island’s newly proposed luxury property tax, nicknamed the “Taylor Swift Tax”, which could directly impact high-profile homeowners like Swift herself.
The proposed law would place a surcharge on properties not used as a primary residence that are valued over $1 million. This could potentially add an extra $136,000 per year in taxes on Swift’s $17 million Watch Hill mansion.
Proponents of the bill say it will help create more housing opportunities and encourage owners to either live in the state year round, or rent out their luxury homes that often sit vacant most of the year.
Portnoy voiced his frustration during an appearance on Fox Business’ ‘Varney & Co.’
“We don’t like that tax, Stuart,” Portnoy said, adding, “I don’t own any houses in Rhode Island, but I’ve got some pretty close, just across the border. I don’t like these states getting ideas.”
He joked that the only way he’d support a tax like this is if Massachusetts named it after him.
“If they name the tax in Massachusetts the ‘Dave Portnoy Tax,’ my ego may let that slide. I’ll pay a couple hundred grand for that brag.”
If passed, the law would not take effect immediately and would give homeowners until July 2026 to either probe they spend at least 183 days a year at the property (the standard for primary residence status) or by listing their homes as rentals.
Back in 2013, the pop superstar purchased the sprawling 5.25-acre estate for $17.75 million. The 11,000-square-foot mansion features seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and 700 feet of private beachfront. Perched on the highest point in Watch Hill, it offers unmatched views and exclusivity.
Swift also owns two upscale condos in Nashville’s lively Music Row district, a historic mansion in Beverly Hills, California, and three adjoining units in New York City’s exclusive Tribeca neighborhood—combined into one expansive residence, complete with a neighboring townhouse she converted into a private penthouse entrance.
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