Connecticut House Bill HB05806

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/17
• Refer: 1/18/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Professional And Business Licenses And Property Taxes.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5806 will impact local governance by tightening the relationship between property tax compliance and business licensing. The bill aims to enhance municipal revenue collection and mitigate revenue losses related to delinquent taxpayers. By linking tax compliance to the issuance of licenses, the bill encourages timely payment of property taxes, thereby benefiting local governments and promoting fiscal responsibility among business owners.

Summary

House Bill 5806 seeks to amend the general statutes concerning professional and business licenses with an emphasis on property tax obligations. The bill mandates that individuals applying for or renewing their professional or business licenses demonstrate that they are not currently delinquent in their property tax payments. This measure is designed to ensure that municipalities are not financially harmed by individuals who owe property taxes while holding valid business or professional licenses.

Contention

The implementation of this bill may spark debates regarding the fairness of tying business licenses to tax compliance. Supporters argue that it promotes accountability and ensures that all businesses contribute to municipal revenues. However, opponents might raise concerns about the potential for this measure to disproportionately affect small businesses that rely on timely license renewals for income. Moreover, there may be questions about the administrative burden this creates for local officials who must verify the tax status of applicants, potentially leading to delays in the licensing process.