Connecticut House Bill HB05567

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/15
• Refer: 1/20/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Taxes On Small Businesses.

Impact

The proposed changes are considered significant as they align with efforts to support small businesses by reducing their tax burdens over time. Supporters argue that the automatic expiration of taxes allows for periodic review of their relevance and impact, enabling legislators to assess whether they continue to serve their intended purpose or should be eliminated altogether. Furthermore, this approach could encourage lawmakers to be more judicious when proposing new taxes on small businesses, potentially leading to a more favorable economic climate for these entities.

Summary

House Bill 5567, titled 'An Act Concerning Taxes On Small Businesses', aims to amend the general statutes to reinforce the requirement that all taxes levied on small businesses must include sunset provisions. This legislative initiative reflects a growing recognition of the burdens that taxes can place on small enterprises, especially given their critical role in economic development and job creation. By ensuring that these taxes automatically expire unless renewed, the bill seeks to provide a more predictable and stable financial environment for small businesses in the state.

Contention

Despite its supportive outlook towards small businesses, HB 5567 may face debates regarding the practical implications of its implementation. Critics may express concerns about the potential loss of revenue for state budgets as taxes sunset and whether this could hinder the government's ability to fund essential services. Additionally, there might be discussions about what constitutes a 'small business' and the fairness of applying the same tax provisions uniformly across different sectors. The conversations surrounding this bill will likely address the balance between fostering small business growth and ensuring adequate state funding.