Louisiana House Bill HB824

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/22/15
• Refer: 4/27/15

Caption

Establishes an alternative minimum tax for certain corporations (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF RV)

Impact

The bill would implement a tiered tax rate, where corporations would pay no tax on the first $100,000 of economic activity, a 0.75% tax on income between $100,000 and $500,000, and a 1.5% tax on any economic activity exceeding $500,000. This structure seeks to provide a fairer taxation system that aligns tax liabilities with the economic benefits gained by corporations while operating in Louisiana. The alternative minimum tax could significantly affect larger businesses with substantial operations in the state, ensuring they contribute to the state's economy.

Summary

House Bill 824 aims to establish an alternative minimum tax for certain corporations doing business in Louisiana. This tax would be determined based on a corporation's economic activity within the state. The intention behind this legislation is to ensure that profitable corporations contribute a minimum amount of income tax, especially those benefitting from public infrastructure and services funded by tax dollars. The bill proposes to retain existing corporate income tax rates while introducing an alternative tax rate for businesses exceeding specific thresholds of Louisiana economic activity.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HB 824 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that the introduction of an alternative minimum tax is a necessary measure to prevent large corporations from evading taxes while still benefiting from state resources. They view the bill as a step toward establishing a fairer tax system. On the contrary, critics express concerns that this change could deter new businesses from establishing themselves in Louisiana and could lead to unintended consequences that harm the local economy. The debate highlights the tension between ensuring fair corporate taxation and promoting a business-friendly environment.

Contention

Notable points of contention within the discussions surrounding HB 824 include the potential impact of the tax on business growth and investment in Louisiana. Opponents of the bill fear that the implementation of an alternative minimum tax, while necessary for maintaining state revenue, may drive businesses to relocate to states with more favorable tax environments. The exemptions provided for certain corporations under existing contracts also raise questions about fairness and the consistency of the tax system. Overall, the bill encapsulates a broader discussion on balancing corporate responsibility with economic growth.