Us Congress House Bill HB9359

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/13/24
• Refer: 8/13/24

Caption

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the inclusion in gross income of Social Security benefits.

Impact

The repeal of Social Security benefits from taxable income will likely enhance the financial stability of many elderly Americans and retirees, as they will no longer have to account for these benefits as part of their gross income. This change could result in increased disposable income for seniors, subsequently boosting consumer spending among this demographic. However, detractors may argue that this could lead to a reduction in federal revenue, which is vital for funding programs and services that support the social safety net, including healthcare and other essential services for the elderly.

Summary

House Bill 9359 seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by repealing the inclusion of Social Security benefits in the calculation of gross income. This modification aims to exempt these benefits from taxation, potentially alleviating financial burdens for millions of Americans who rely on Social Security as their primary source of income. The bill is expected to have a significant fiscal impact as it alters how Social Security benefits are reported and taxed under federal law.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding HB 9359 may focus on concerns about equity and revenue generation. Proponents of the bill argue that taxes on Social Security benefits disproportionately affect lower and middle-income retirees who depend heavily on these funds for their daily expenses. Opponents, however, might contend that repealing the taxation could result in a diminished tax base, which could have broader implications for federal funding of services. The balance between providing relief for retirees and maintaining necessary government revenue streams is likely to be a contentious point in legislative deliberations.