Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB54

Introduced
1/24/23  

Caption

This bill increases the allowable amount of the energy efficient home improvement tax credit for biomass stoves and boilers.

Impact

The proposed amendments in SB54 will affect individuals investing in biomass stoves and boilers, allowing them to claim a higher tax credit than previously permitted. This adjustment is expected to lower the financial barriers faced by homeowners and encourage the installation of energy-efficient heating systems. The policy aims to support the transition towards renewable energy sources in residential heating, aligning with environmental goals.

Summary

Bill SB54 aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by increasing the limitation on the tax credit available for biomass stoves and boilers. Specifically, the bill seeks to raise the allowable credit for energy-efficient home improvements related to these appliances, thereby incentivizing their adoption. This change is part of a broader effort to promote energy efficiency and sustainable energy sources in residential settings.

Contention

While the bill has broad support as it focuses on promoting renewable energy, there may be disagreements regarding the extent of the tax credits. Critics may express concerns about the fiscal implications of increasing tax credits, questioning whether such incentives are the most effective means of promoting energy efficiency. Additionally, there may be debates on the overall impact of biomass solutions compared to other renewable energy alternatives, such as solar or wind energy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB616

This bill increases the limit on the energy efficient home improvement tax credit to $4,000 (from $2,000) for the cost of an electric or natural gas heat pump, an electric or natural gas heat pump water heater, a biomass stove, or a biomass boiler.Under current law, a taxpayer may claim a nonrefundable tax credit of 30% of the cost, up to $2,000, for an electric or natural gas heat pump, an electric or natural gas heat pump water heater, a biomass stove, or a biomass boiler for a principal residence. (Under current law, taxpayers may also claim a nonrefundable tax credit of 30% of the costs, up to $1,200, for certain other eligible energy-efficient property such that some taxpayers may qualify for a maximum tax credit of $3,200.)

US HB313

Small Business Emergency Savings Accounts Act of 2023 This bill allows a new tax deduction from gross income for amounts paid into a small business emergency savings account. Such savings accounts are established exclusively to pay the qualified disaster and public health emergency expenses of the account beneficiary. The bill defines qualified disaster and public health emergency expenses as disaster loss replacement expenses, disaster recovery operations expenses, and public health emergency expenses.

US HB312

Emergency Savings Accounts Act of 2023 This bill allows an individual taxpayer occupying a residence a deduction from gross income for up to $5,000 of amounts paid into such taxpayer's emergency savings account. The bill defines emergency savings account as an account established exclusively to pay the qualified disaster and public health emergency expenses of the account beneficiary. The bill defines qualified disaster and public health emergency expenses as disaster mitigation expenses, disaster recovery expenses, public health emergency expenses, and unemployment-related expenses.

US HB419

Revitalizing Downtowns Act This bill expands the investment tax credit to add a qualified office conversion credit. The amount of such credit is 20% of the qualified conversion expenditures with respect to a qualified converted building. The bill defines qualified converted building as any building if (1) prior to conversion, the building was nonresidential real property which was leased, or available for lease, to office tenants; (2) the building has been substantially converted from an office use to a residential, retail, or other commercial use; (3) the building was initially placed in service at least 25 years prior to the beginning of the conversion, and (4) straight line depreciation is allowable with respect to the building.

US HB52

Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act This bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish voluntary best practices for safe firearm storage solely for the purpose of public education. DOJ must give at least 90 days public notice and afford an opportunity for a hearing before establishing such best practices. The bill authorizes DOJ to award grants for the development, implementation, and evaluation of Safe Firearm Storage Assistance Programs. The bill also provides for a new tax credit through 2030 for 10% of amounts received from the retail sale of a safe firearm storage device for use in the United States.

US HB25

FairTax Act of 2023 This bill imposes a national sales tax on the use or consumption in the United States of taxable property or services in lieu of the current income taxes, payroll taxes, and estate and gift taxes. The rate of the sales tax will be 23% in 2025, with adjustments to the rate in subsequent years. There are exemptions from the tax for used and intangible property; for property or services purchased for business, export, or investment purposes; and for state government functions. Under the bill, family members who are lawful U.S. residents receive a monthly sales tax rebate (Family Consumption Allowance) based upon criteria related to family size and poverty guidelines. The states have the responsibility for administering, collecting, and remitting the sales tax to the Treasury. Tax revenues are to be allocated among (1) the general revenue, (2) the old-age and survivors insurance trust fund, (3) the disability insurance trust fund, (4) the hospital insurance trust fund, and (5) the federal supplementary medical insurance trust fund. No funding is authorized for the operations of the Internal Revenue Service after FY2027. Finally, the bill terminates the national sales tax if the Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution (authorizing an income tax) is not repealed within seven years after the enactment of this bill.

US HB426

Lakes Before Turbines Act This bill eliminates the energy-related tax credit for investment in certain offshore wind facilities after 2022.

US HB257

Earned Income Tax Credit Equity for Puerto Rico Act of 2021 This bill makes residents of Puerto Rico eligible for the federal earned income tax credit.

US HB478

Working Families Childcare Access Act of 2023 or the WFCA Act of 2023 This bill includes certain additional expenses in a dependent care flexible spending arrangement (FSA), specifically qualified sports, tutoring, and music or art expenses. It also increases the eligibility age for dependent care benefits to 15, allows a carry forward of unused benefits to the next plan year, and increases to $15,000 the maximum amount of dependent care benefits excludible from employee gross income.

US HB2811

Water Quality Certification and Energy Project Improvement Act of 2023 TAPP American Resources Act Transparency, Accountability, Permitting, and Production of American Resources Act Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2023

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.