Louisiana House Bill HB624

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/15
• Refer: 4/3/15
• Refer: 4/13/15
• Report Pass: 5/5/15
• Engrossed: 5/11/15
• Refer: 5/12/15
• Report Pass: 5/18/15
• Refer: 5/19/15
• Report Pass: 6/3/15
• Enrolled: 6/11/15
• Chaptered: 6/19/15
• Passed: 6/19/15

Caption

Reduces the amount of certain corporate income tax exclusions and deductions (EN +$122,000,000 GF RV See Note)

Impact

One significant change proposed in HB 624 is the introduction of a new tax exemption aimed at certain corporations classified as Louisiana Community Development Financial Institutions (LCDFIs). These institutions are proposed to be exempt from the corporation income tax and the corporation franchise tax for a set period during which they are certified. Moreover, the specifications include notable tax deductions for expenses related to the operation of public transportation systems, aiming to support infrastructure while still adjusting the overall tax landscape for larger entities.

Summary

House Bill 624 aims to reform the corporate income tax system in Louisiana by reducing the amount of exclusions and deductions available to corporations. Specifically, the bill seeks to amend several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, primarily focusing on lowering the financial benefits that corporations can claim when calculating their taxable income. The motivations behind this legislation are tied to increasing state revenue through more rigorous tax assessments on large businesses, particularly those benefiting from public funds or subsidies.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 624 is mixed, with proponents arguing that it will bolster the state's financial position and help address fiscal shortfalls by ensuring that corporations contribute fairly. Critics, however, voice concerns that such reductions in tax benefits may stifle business growth and deter new investments. They warn that the intricate changes to the deductions can complicate tax compliance and potentially lead to unintended consequences for smaller enterprises that rely on favorable tax treatment.

Contention

Key points of contention within discussions of HB 624 center around the implications of adjusting tax exclusions and deductions. Some stakeholders argue that the reduced tax benefits could disproportionately affect certain sectors, particularly those reliant on governmental support. While the bill is framed as a means to tighten up fiscal accountability from corporations, the potential impact on business decisions and economic activity spurs a robust debate among legislators and the business community regarding the balancing act between taxation and economic vitality.