Louisiana House Bill HB642

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/15
• Refer: 4/3/15
• Refer: 4/13/15

Caption

Changes the rates and brackets for purposes of calculating individual income tax liability and eliminates certain deductions

Impact

The impact of HB 642 on state laws is significant, as it revises fundamental aspects of the tax code that affect individual taxpayers. By lowering the tax rates and repealing certain deductions, the bill is expected to create a more straightforward taxation process, possibly benefiting lower and middle-income individuals. However, eliminating deductions could disproportionately affect taxpayers who rely on them to reduce their taxable income. The bill is set to take effect for all taxable periods after January 1, 2016, ensuring timely implementation of these changes.

Summary

House Bill 642 aims to reform the individual income tax system in Louisiana by altering the rates and brackets applicable for tax calculations. The proposed legislation seeks to reduce the tax rate on the first $12,500 of income from 2% to 0%, which eliminates tax liability for that income level. Additionally, it decreases the tax rate on the next $37,500 of income from 4% to 3.8%. Alongside these rate reductions, the bill also proposes to eliminate certain deductions, including the deduction for excess federal itemized personal deductions, thus simplifying the personal tax structure.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 642 appears mixed, with proponents advocating for the tax cuts as a means of providing relief to taxpayers and stimulating economic growth. On the other hand, opponents express concern that stripping away deductions might lead to higher taxable incomes for some individuals, ultimately neutralizing the benefits of lowered rates. This divide reflects broader ideological debates about taxation, government revenue, and economic policy in the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 642 involve its potential long-term implications for state revenue and budget stability. Critics argue that while the tax cuts may provide immediate relief, they could undermine funding for essential public services if not balanced by other revenue sources. Additionally, the repeal of various deductions could lead to public backlash from constituents who feel that their financial positions are negatively affected despite the reductions in tax rates. This tension will likely define the legislative discourse surrounding the bill as it progresses through the legislative process.