The bill intends to provide clearer guidelines for taxpayers regarding their income from activities that are not solely tied to Illinois, potentially minimizing confusion and disputes during tax calculations. By explicitly allowing taxpayers to exclude certain revenues from their calculations, it aims to promote a fairer tax environment for individuals and businesses engaged in multi-state operations. This change could have significant implications for how businesses structure their operations, potentially making Illinois a more attractive place for businesses that operate across state lines.
House Bill 3124, introduced by Representative Anthony DeLuca, proposes amendments to the Illinois Income Tax Act, specifically targeting how taxpayers calculate their base income. The bill stipulates that when determining base income, taxpayers will modify their federal adjusted gross income by excluding specific portions of income or loss that are not sourced from Illinois. This is particularly relevant for individuals and pass-through entities that conduct trade or business both within and outside of Illinois, thereby clarifying the tax obligations tied to non-Illinois sourced income.
While the bill seeks to simplify and clarify tax regulations, it may also spark contention regarding the impacts on state revenue. Some stakeholders argue that exempting certain incomes could lead to substantial revenue losses for the state, undermining funding for essential services. Additionally, the definition of 'non-sourced income' could be open to interpretation, leading to varying applications among taxpayers and potential inequities in tax burdens. These factors may lead to a debate in legislative discussions as stakeholders assess the balance between potential economic benefits and fiscal responsibilities.