Arkansas House Bill HB1044

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/28/22
• Refer: 1/9/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Adopt Federal Law Concerning Income Tax Deductions For Depreciation And The Expensing Of Property.

Impact

The impact of HB1044 is significant, as it will result in a change in how businesses and individuals calculate their tax liabilities relating to property. By adopting federal law as the guiding principle for depreciation and expensing, the bill will create consistency in tax calculations across state and federal levels. This change may facilitate easier compliance for taxpayers and potentially lead to increased investment in property, as taxpayers will have clearer expectations and regulations to follow. Furthermore, harmonizing state and federal tax policies could reduce confusion for those operating across state borders.

Summary

House Bill 1044 aims to amend the existing laws regarding income tax deductions for depreciation and the expensing of property in the state of Arkansas. The bill proposes to adopt specific federal regulations pertaining to income tax deductions, specifically Title 26 U.S.C. §§ 167 and 168, which detail how depreciation and expensing should be calculated. By aligning Arkansas' tax laws with federal statutes effective from January 1, 2023, the bill seeks to simplify and standardize tax treatment for property purchases made in the state for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2022.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to simplify tax processes, points of contention may arise regarding the implications for state revenue. Critics may question whether aligning state tax deductions with federal standards could lead to a reduction in state revenues, as federal regulations may provide more leeway for deductions than existing state laws. This concern could spark debates among lawmakers about the balance between encouraging business investment through tax incentives and preserving necessary state revenue for public programs and services.