Connecticut House Bill HB05188

Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/14
• Refer: 2/18/14

Caption

An Act Concerning The Deductibility Of Premiums Paid On Out-of-state Bonds.

Impact

If enacted, HB05188 will modify section 12-701 of the Connecticut General Statutes relating to the income tax treatment of municipal bond premiums. It will allow all taxpayers, regardless of their trade status, to deduct amortizable bond premiums on their Connecticut adjusted gross income. This change could potentially lead to increased attractiveness of out-of-state municipal bonds among individual taxpayers, broadening access to tax benefits previously limited to bond traders.

Summary

House Bill 05188 proposes an amendment to the Connecticut statutes concerning the deductibility of premiums paid on out-of-state municipal bonds. The main objective of this bill is to extend the income tax deduction for these premiums to all taxpayers, not just those who engage in bond trading as a business. This aims to provide a more equitable tax treatment for individuals purchasing out-of-state municipal bonds, recognizing the varying roles that taxpayers may have in relation to these financial instruments.

Contention

While the current statute offers some level of deduction for bond premiums, the limitation to individuals trading bonds as a business has been a point of contention. Proponents of HB05188 argue that expanding this deduction furthers fairness in tax policy and supports individual investors. Critics may raise concerns about the fiscal implications of extending these deductions, arguing that it could reduce state tax revenues, thereby impacting funding for public services. Additionally, some could question whether incentivizing out-of-state bonds aligns with state economic interests.