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Time of India
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rhode Island targets Taylor Swift with new tax bill — days after human remains found near her mansion where she hopes to raise family with Travis Kelce
Rhode Island 'Taylor Swift Tax' (Getty Images) Just as Taylor Swift was preparing to turn her $17 million Watch Hill mansion into a dream family home with Travis Kelce , Rhode Island lawmakers are considering introducing a new tax bill that could cost the global superstar a hefty annual sum. The proposal, unofficially dubbed the 'Taylor Swift Tax,' comes amid swirling headlines — including the grim discovery of human remains near her seaside property. ' Taylor Swift tax ' gains traction in Rhode Island: Here's what it means for high-end homeowners On May 14, 2024, remains were found along the shoreline in Watch Hill, not far from Swift's sprawling estate known as 'Holiday House.' On June 13, South Kingstown Police confirmed the remains were identified as 31-year-old Eric Wein of Massachusetts. While unrelated to Swift directly, the unsettling event cast a somber mood over a location the singer has often called her 'sanctuary.' Adding to the tension, a new bill introduced in Rhode Island's budget aims to impose a 'non-owner-occupied property tax' on luxury homes valued above $1 million that sit empty for more than half the year. Despite not being named directly, Swift has become the poster face of the bill, thanks to her high-profile presence in the state. The proposed law would charge homeowners $2.50 for every $500 of assessed value beyond the first million dollars, potentially costing Swift an additional $136,000 annually. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Indonesia (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search Ads Search Now Undo Swift's Rhode Island mansion — the most expensive private residence in the state — was purchased in 2013 for $17.75 million. The colonial-style estate has become legendary for its star-studded Independence Day parties and was immortalized in her hit track 'The Last Great American Dynasty.' Today, the property is undergoing a $1.7 million renovation that includes a new bedroom suite, updated kitchen, and added guest space — all part of her plans to build a future with Kelce. Spanning over five acres with a 700-foot stretch of private beach, a pool house, and grand patios, the estate remains one of Swift's favorite escapes. She was last seen there in August 2024, unwinding with Kelce and friends after wrapping up the European leg of her Eras Tour. Yet, the so-called Taylor Swift Tax has sparked controversy. The Rhode Island Association of Realtors has voiced strong opposition, arguing the measure could hurt an already strained housing market. Critics worry that, while aimed at the wealthiest homeowners, the bill could ripple through the broader real estate ecosystem, making it harder for everyday buyers and sellers. If the legislation is signed by Governor Dan McKee, even the Ocean State's biggest pop star might face a financial 'cruel summer' — just not the one she wrote about. Also Read: Is Travis Kelce ready for Hollywood? Veteran actor Christopher McDonald thinks so after Chiefs star's 'Happy Gilmore 2' cameo Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Human remains found near Taylor Swift's Rhode Island home have been identified
Authorities have identified the human remains found near Taylor Swift's Rhode Island home. After several outlets reported on the remains last month, the South Kingstown Police Department revealed in a June 13 statement that the remains belonged to 31-year-old Eric Wein of Massachusetts. "After working closely with the Mansfield Police Department and the Rhode Island Office of the State Medical Examiners, the South Kingstown Police Department has formally concluded its investigation," the statement read. "No foul play is suspected." "We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Wein's family and loved ones during this difficult time," the statement concluded. Wein's remains washed ashore on May 14 in Westerly, Rhode Island, which includes the wealthy enclave of Watch Hill, where Swift owns her sprawling residence. Real estate pushback to ' tax' begins. Will the charge hit everyday cottages? The home, called "Holiday House," inspired the fan favorite hit song, including "The Last Great American Dynasty" from her 2020 album "Folklore." The home even inspired beloved New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry's newest book, "Great Big Beautiful Life." Henry's book, released April 22, follows Alice and Hayden, two journalists vying for the chance to write a blockbuster celebrity memoir. The "Beach Read" author revealed in an interview earlier this year that she drew the story from several real-life tales, including Swift's 2020 song, which is about her Westerly mansion's previous owner, Rebekah Harkness. "I love that song, and love the story behind it," she told E! News in April. "Every once in a while, I find myself back on the Wikipedia page, just reading through. I just find those kinds of larger-than-life families really, really intriguing." "Holiday House" also inspired possible Rhode Island legislation that would enact a "Taylor Swift tax," officially called the "non-owner-occupied tax," which applies to all residential properties assessed at more than $1 million that do not serve as a primary dwelling. To qualify as a primary residence, an owner has to live there more than half the year, or 183 days. By this criteria, Swift would owe Rhode Island around $136,000 in new taxes on her Watch Hill mansion if a new charge to high-end vacation homes proposed in the House version of the state budget passes. Contributing: Patrick Anderson, Providence Journal; Melina Khan, USA TODAY NETWORK - New England This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Taylor Swift's Rhode Island home: Human remains found nearby identified
