Taylor Swift Could Soon Be Writing a Bigger Check As Rhode Island's New Luxury Home Tax Officially Kicks In

July 5, 2026 - 10:18

A new tax on high-end second homes officially went into effect in Rhode Island this week, potentially adding a significant cost for wealthy property owners including pop star Taylor Swift. The state's Non-Owner Occupied Property Tax, which began Wednesday, applies a levy on residential properties assessed at more than $1 million that are not used as a primary residence.

The tax was enacted as part of Rhode Island's Fiscal Year 2026 budget. It targets homes owned by individuals or entities who do not live there full-time, including vacation homes and investment properties. For owners of multimillion-dollar coastal estates, the annual bill could run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Swift, who owns a seaside mansion in the town of Watch Hill, is among those who may be affected. Her property, valued well above the $1 million threshold, is not her primary residence. While the singer has not commented publicly, the tax could mean a substantially larger check for her each year.

Supporters of the measure say it helps fund local services and addresses housing shortages by discouraging speculative buying. Critics argue it unfairly penalizes out-of-state owners and could hurt tourism and the real estate market. The law applies to any non-owner-occupied residential property exceeding the assessed value, with few exemptions.