Connecticut Senate Bill SB00740

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/21
• Refer: 1/29/21

Caption

An Act Concerning A Temporary Personal Income Tax Credit For Expenses Related To The Covid-19 Pandemic.

Impact

Should SB00740 be enacted, the bill would directly impact the state’s income tax structure by providing a specific tax credit designed to assist individuals and families who faced unexpected expenses due to COVID-19. This initiative reflects a broader commitment by lawmakers to support constituents coping with the lingering economic effects of the pandemic, particularly for those who may not have easily adjusted to the financial disruptions caused by COVID-19. The implementation of this tax credit could encourage citizens to file their taxes and engage more actively with their financial responsibilities during a challenging economic time.

Summary

SB00740 is a legislative proposal that seeks to introduce a temporary personal income tax credit aimed at providing financial relief to taxpayers who have incurred expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the bill allows taxpayers to claim a credit of up to $500 for married individuals filing jointly and $250 for all other filers. This measure was introduced to help alleviate some financial burdens faced by many residents due to the economic challenges posed by the pandemic during the taxable years commencing January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2021.

Contention

Discussions around SB00740 may involve various points of contention. Critics of the bill might argue about the appropriateness and effectiveness of tax credits as a tool for economic recovery, questioning whether such measures address the deeper systemic issues that have emerged due to the pandemic. Moreover, there may be debates regarding the overall fiscal impact of providing these tax credits on state revenue, particularly as governments are required to balance budgetary constraints while attempting to offer relief measures. Opponents could emphasize the importance of ensuring that such credits are equitably distributed among all taxpayers and do not disproportionately favor higher-income earners.