Kansas Senate Bill SB56

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/19/23
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Increasing the income limit for the income tax subtraction modification for social security income.

Impact

The bill's impact on state tax laws is notable as it seeks to provide financial relief to seniors and retired residents who rely on social security as a primary source of income. By raising the qualifying income limits, more individuals may benefit from this tax relief, which can help enhance their financial stability during retirement. This change aligns with broader efforts to make Kansas a more attractive state for retirees, potentially influencing decisions on residency and economic activity within the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 56 aims to amend the existing Kansas tax code with regard to the treatment of social security income for state income tax purposes. Specifically, the bill proposes to increase the income limit required to qualify for a subtraction modification concerning social security income. This adjustment is significant as it would allow more individuals, particularly retirees, to exclude a greater portion of their social security income from state taxation, thus reducing their overall tax burden.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, the bill has faced scrutiny and opposition. Critics argue that increasing the income limit for tax subtraction could lead to reduced revenue for the state, impacting funding for essential public services. Furthermore, there are concerns that such modifications may disproportionately benefit higher-income individuals, thereby undermining the bill’s intended goal of aiding lower-income retirees. This has sparked debate around the equity and fiscal responsibility of implementing such tax changes.