Illinois House Bill HB1250

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/31/23

Caption

INC TX-ELECTRIC CREDIT

Impact

Under the provisions of HB1250, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is authorized to allocate credits totaling up to $50 million annually, establishing financial caps for the credits awarded each fiscal year. This funding will allow for the potential carry-forward of unused credits over the course of five subsequent taxation years. The bill aims to ensure that eligible taxpayers receive timely and meaningful tax relief, thereby incentivizing responsible energy consumption and supporting those facing significant utility costs.

Summary

House Bill 1250 introduces an energy price relief income tax credit, aimed at providing financial relief to taxpayers in Illinois who are liable for payments regarding energy supplied to residential or commercial properties. This bill amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to offer a credit that equates to a percentage of the total energy costs incurred during the taxable year. The intention is to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with rising energy prices, thereby supporting households and businesses in managing their energy expenses more effectively.

Contention

The implementation of this bill is facilitated through emergency rulemaking provisions, ensuring a swift execution by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. However, one point of contention may arise concerning the equitable distribution of credits among taxpayers, particularly in cases where multiple individuals are eligible for claiming the same credits under identical utility payments. The proposed rules for the allocation of these credits are crucial to addressing concerns of fairness and availability, thereby impacting public perception and overall success of the program.