Connecticut House Bill HB05550

Connecticut 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/25
• Refer: 1/21/25

Caption

An Act Concerning The Qualifying Income Thresholds For Certain Personal Income Tax Deductions For Married Individuals Filing Jointly.

Impact

If enacted, HB05550 would directly impact the Connecticut General Statutes, particularly Section 12-701. The proposed adjustments mean that married individuals would no longer be penalized with reduced tax deductions at lower income levels. This change could lead to significant annual savings for these taxpayers, encouraging greater financial stability for affected families. Additionally, the adjustment of phase-out thresholds to $200,000 will also reflect an understanding of inflation and rising living costs, ensuring that tax benefits keep pace with economic realities.

Summary

House Bill 05550 proposes changes to the qualifying income thresholds for certain personal income tax deductions for married individuals filing jointly. Specifically, the bill suggests raising these thresholds to allow for higher deductions on Social Security benefits, pension, and annuity income. The aim is to enhance the financial benefits for married couples, particularly those with taxable incomes approaching the newly proposed limits. By increasing the qualifying amount to less than $150,000, the bill intends to alleviate some tax burdens and provide relief for middle and lower-income families.

Contention

While the bill is likely to receive support from advocates of tax reform and those representing taxpayers’ interests, it may also face opposition from those concerned about the implications for state revenue. Critics may argue that raising income thresholds could lead to decreased tax income from high earners, which could subsequently impact funding for state programs. Furthermore, there could be discussions surrounding the equity of such tax relief measures, particularly concerning how it might benefit wealthier couples more significantly compared to lower-income families.