Connecticut House Bill HB05604

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/19
• Refer: 1/18/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Applicable Date Of The Bonus Depreciation Tax Deduction.

Impact

The economic implications of adjusting the bonus depreciation timeline are substantial. By redefining the qualifying date for the tax deduction, the bill is positioned to stimulate business investment by providing a more extended period during which companies can take advantage of these financial incentives. This could encourage businesses to acquire more property and capital assets, potentially leading to increased economic activity and job creation within the state. However, the potential reduction in immediate tax revenues for the state must also be considered as a trade-off in promoting longer-term economic growth.

Summary

House Bill 05604, introduced in January 2019, proposes an amendment to section 12-701 of the general statutes regarding the applicable date of the bonus depreciation tax deduction. This bill aims to modify the eligibility period for the bonus depreciation tax deduction, which was initially enforced for property acquired prior to September 27, 2017. The new provision would extend the eligibility for the deduction to property placed in service after June 30, 2018. This adjustment reflects an effort to benefit businesses that invest in new assets by allowing them to recover their costs more rapidly through tax deductions.

Contention

Despite the bill's intentions to foster economic growth, discussions around its contents may reveal points of contention. Critics might raise concerns about the financial implications for state revenue, questioning whether the benefits of such a tax break for businesses outweigh the potential losses in tax income. Moreover, there may be debate regarding whether extending such deductions aligns with broader fiscal policies or priorities set by the state, especially during economically challenging periods. Proponents argue it is a necessary step to remain competitive with other states offering similar incentives.