Connecticut House Bill HB05303

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/13/23

Caption

An Act Combining The Petroleum Products Gross Earnings Tax And The Motor Vehicle Fuels Tax.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 05303 could significantly affect state revenue streams, particularly those dedicated to funding transportation infrastructure. By merging two distinct taxes into one, the state aims to improve its financial stability in the transportation sector. Simplifying the tax structure may also encourage compliance from businesses, potentially resulting in an increase in overall tax revenue. This bill is expected to streamline operations for small and medium-sized enterprises in the petroleum sector, as they would face fewer bureaucratic hurdles in tax reporting and payments.

Summary

House Bill 05303 aims to streamline taxation related to petroleum products and motor vehicle fuels by combining two existing taxes into one unified tax based on a per-gallon rate. This effort is intended to simplify tax collection processes and reduce administrative burdens for both the state and businesses involved in the distribution of fuel. By consolidating the petroleum products gross earnings tax and the motor vehicle fuels tax, the bill seeks to create a more efficient regulatory framework while ensuring the continued collection of necessary revenue for state budgets.

Contention

However, the bill is not without opposition. Critics argue that combining these taxes could potentially foster confusion among consumers and businesses alike regarding pricing and tax implications at the pump. There may also be concerns that this change could disproportionately affect low-income individuals who rely heavily on motor vehicle transportation. Additionally, some stakeholders advocate for maintaining separate taxes to ensure that funds raised specifically for transportation projects are used solely for their intended purposes, rather than being consolidated into a general revenue pool.