Louisiana House Bill HB697

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/14/16

Caption

Authorizes the secretary of the Dept. of Revenue to waive penalties under certain conditions (OR DECREASE SG RV See Note)

Impact

The potential impact of HB 697 on state laws includes an adjustment to how penalties are assessed for individuals serving in the armed forces. By allowing the waiver of penalties under specified circumstances, the bill aims to reduce the financial burden on military members who may be unable to meet standard filing requirements due to deployment or other service-related obligations. This approach is expected to foster goodwill towards state tax policies and support military families during their service.

Summary

House Bill 697 aims to provide relief for active duty military personnel in terms of individual income tax penalties in Louisiana. Specifically, the bill authorizes the secretary of the Department of Revenue to waive certain penalties related to individual income tax for taxpayers who are active duty members of the armed forces and are residing outside of Louisiana at the time the penalties are imposed. This measure recognizes the unique circumstances faced by military personnel regarding their tax obligations while serving away from their home state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be positive, particularly among advocacy groups for military personnel and their families. Legislators supporting the bill view it as an essential step to honor and support those serving in the military, making it easier for them to comply with tax laws without facing harsh penalties. However, there may also be discussions on the implementation of the bill and how effectively the waiver provisions will be executed.

Contention

While there is a general consensus about the necessity of supporting military personnel, points of contention may arise regarding the criteria for waiving penalties and ensuring that the provisions are not misapplied. Furthermore, discussions may focus on the implications of this law on state revenue and the administrative processes required for the Department of Revenue to manage these waivers effectively. Ensuring a transparent and fair application of the bill's provisions will be crucial to its acceptance.