Connecticut Senate Bill SB00529

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/28/18
• Refer: 3/28/18

Caption

An Act Concerning A Voluntary Employer Compensation Expense Tax.

Impact

The implications of SB00529 are significant for both employers and employees alike. By introducing a voluntary payroll tax, the state aims to bolster revenues while allowing businesses the option to choose whether to participate. This adds a level of flexibility for employers who may be dealing with various financial constraints. Furthermore, the bill includes a credit against personal income taxes for employees of electing employers, potentially increasing employee take-home pay, thus benefiting the workforce and potentially stimulating local economies.

Summary

SB00529, also known as the Act Concerning A Voluntary Employer Compensation Expense Tax, introduces a new structure for taxing employers based on their payroll expenses for covered employees. This bill allows employers to elect under specific conditions to be taxed on wages exceeding $40,000 per covered employee. The tax is set at rates of 1.5% for 2019, escalating to 3% in 2020, and 5% thereafter. These rates enable a form of tax contribution that directly aligns with the state's fiscal objectives while providing room for employers to manage their payroll expenses strategically.

Contention

However, SB00529 has not been without its points of contention. Critics might argue that introducing such a tax could discourage hiring or lead to employers limiting wage increases to avoid extra taxation. Some stakeholders could also express concerns regarding the bureaucratic burden of electing to abide by this new tax mechanism, questioning the administrative capabilities of smaller businesses to navigate the inclination while ensuring compliance with the newly instituted provisions. Overall, there remains a debate over whether this bill will effectively balance fiscal needs with the realities faced by employers in the state's economic landscape.