Connecticut House Bill HB05696

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/19
• Refer: 1/22/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Deduction And Withholding Of Personal Income Tax From Pension Payments And Annuity Distributions.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would substantially impact state laws related to personal income tax as it would exempt certain forms of retirement income from taxation. This could lead to an increase in disposable income for many retirees, potentially enhancing their quality of life. It may also influence the overall tax revenue collected by the state, as the exemption could result in decreased income tax revenues from individuals benefiting from retirement funding.

Summary

House Bill 05696 proposes to amend Section 12-705 of the general statutes by exempting pension payments and annuity distributions from the requirement of personal income tax deduction and withholding by the payer. The primary intent of this bill is to alleviate the tax burden on retirees receiving such payments, thereby encouraging financial stability for those solely dependent on their pensions or annuities for income during retirement. This move is intended to support the elderly population and ease their financial responsibilities as they transition to fixed income sources of living.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding HB05696, particularly regarding its potential impact on state finances and the equitable distribution of tax burdens among residents. Opponents may argue that while supporting retirees is a worthy cause, the loss of tax revenue could hinder the state’s ability to fund public services and programs essential for all citizens. Furthermore, it may raise questions about the fairness of tax policy towards different income groups, particularly if this bill disproportionately benefits certain demographics while neglecting others.