12.07.2015 Views

15 MB - Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute

15 MB - Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute

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Chapter 1: Introduction1.1 <strong>Research</strong> issue.This project inventories the tax impact on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>Lakes</strong> marine transportation systemimposed by federal regulations. This project also identifies the unique tax burdens placedon the commercial maritime regulatory process in the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>Lakes</strong>, and presents ananalysis of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>Lakes</strong> maritime tax structure focusing on its most significant tax, theHarbor Maintenance Tax (HMT). Finally this project discusses possible changes to thecurrent tax structure to improve the efficiency of port maintenance tax collection andexpenditure; as well as to improve intermodal transportation fuel efficiency.This study was funded by a grant from the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>Lakes</strong> <strong>Maritime</strong> <strong>Research</strong> <strong>Institute</strong>.The contract for this study has the following project description:This topic addresses the tax impact on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>Lakes</strong> (GL) marinetransportation system (MTS) imposed by federal tax codes and regulations.This project will attempt to identify the unique tax burdens placed on thecommercial maritime regulatory process in the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>Lakes</strong>.This project proposes to recommend methods for decreasing the tax impact on<strong>Great</strong> <strong>Lakes</strong> shipping from both a tax burden and a compliance standpoint and tooffer a viable option for government to help ease the tax complexities thatshipping companies face.The primary public policy intent of this study is to advance understanding of the taxstructure of commercial maritime transportation on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>Lakes</strong>.The primary purpose of this study for the research team at the Labovitz School ofBusiness and Economics is to accomplish the contract’s goals and objectives, and tofurther the discussion of the possibilities for increasing efficiency in the relationshipbetween tax policy and commercial maritime operations.1

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