Connecticut House Bill HB05166

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/16
• Refer: 2/10/16

Caption

An Act Repealing The Connecticut Personal Alternative Minimum Tax.

Impact

The repeal of the personal alternative minimum tax is expected to have a direct impact on individual taxpayers in Connecticut by potentially reducing their tax burden. Supporters of the bill argue that this would make the tax system more equitable and understandable, allowing residents to better plan their finances without the added complication of an alternative minimum tax. Furthermore, the change is perceived to promote economic growth in the state by encouraging spending and investment among residents who would otherwise allocate resources towards fulfilling tax liabilities under the previous regime.

Summary

House Bill HB05166 aims to repeal the Connecticut personal alternative minimum tax provisions from the state's personal income tax framework. By eliminating this tax, the bill seeks to align Connecticut's tax code more closely with federal tax laws, addressing long-standing discrepancies that may have led to confusion and complexity for taxpayers. This repeal is particularly significant as it reflects an effort to simplify the tax obligations of Connecticut residents and streamline the overall tax process.

Contention

Opposition to the bill might arise from those who believe that the alternative minimum tax played a vital role in maintaining state revenue levels, especially from higher-income earners. Critics may argue that repealing such a tax could disproportionately benefit wealthier residents while exacerbating fiscal challenges for the state, as it would eliminate a layer of taxation designed to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their deductions and credits, contribute a minimum amount to the state's revenues. This debate over equity versus simplicity will likely be a central point of discussion throughout the legislative process surrounding HB05166.