Proposed unearned income tax
Summary
Council formally advertised its intent to tax dividends, rents, capital gains, royalties and trust distributions at 2% for city residents, an estimated $51 million a year to balance the budget. No vote has happened yet, but this would directly hit many homeowners, retirees and investors if adopted.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 4
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Nov 2, 2026.
Impact analysis
Estimated $51 million per year in new revenue from city residents' investment and rental income.
City services and budget balance, sparing deeper cuts elsewhere.
City residents with taxable investment, rental and trust income would pay the new tax.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Earned income taxes to rise in Wilkinsburg following borough council vote
Facing a budget shortfall and already-high property taxes, the borough east of Pittsburgh is tapping resident paychecks as it prepares its 2027 spending plan. The post Earned income taxes to rise in Wilkinsburg following borough council vote appeared...
Standing Committees — November 2, 2026
Councilwoman Warwick's bill would tax dividends, capital gains, rents and royalties at 2%, projected to raise about $51 million a year mostly from top earners. Supporters call it closing a loophole; opponents like Councilman Coghill say it's illegal for a second-class city and would drive people and businesses away. It was held for a public hearing with an executive session planned.
City Council — November 2, 2026
Council formally advertised its intent to tax dividends, rents, capital gains, royalties and trust distributions at 2% for city residents, an estimated $51 million a year to balance the budget. No vote has happened yet, but this would directly hit many homeowners, retirees and investors if adopted.
City Council — October 27, 2026
Councilwoman Warwick introduced an ordinance to tax residents' passive income not already taxed by the city, pitched by supporters as a way to fund housing and violence-prevention programs. One resident opposed it, arguing it would drive wealthy taxpayers out of the city.
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