Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB581

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Income tax credit; employer tax credit for purchase of employee disability insurance; providing amount of credit; prohibiting reduction of income tax to less than zero. Effective date.

Impact

The introduction of SB581 is poised to influence state laws concerning employer tax credits and employee benefits significantly. By providing a direct financial incentive for employers to invest in disability insurance, it could potentially lead to increased coverage for employees, enhancing their financial security during periods of disability. This legislative change reflects a growing recognition of the importance of supporting workforce wellbeing and financial stability, particularly in light of challenges that may arise from unforeseen disabilities.

Summary

Senate Bill 581 (SB581) proposes an income tax credit for employers that provide disability insurance policies for their employees. Specifically, the bill allows qualified employers to claim a tax credit for the purchase of an employee disability insurance policy, given that certain eligibility requirements are met. This credit is limited to employers with at least five employees, and the insurance policy must be fully paid by the employer and include coverage for spousal income. The amount of the tax credit is set at $75 for each employee covered by the policy, aiming to incentivize businesses to offer crucial insurance coverages to their workforce.

Contention

While SB581 may be well-received in terms of bolstering employee protections, there are notable points of contention regarding the program's implementation and the potential fiscal impact on the state budget. Opponents may express concerns about the financial burden on the state in terms of reduced tax revenue, questioning the long-term viability of such credits. Moreover, discussions around fairness and whether all employers, especially small businesses, can realistically access and sustain these insurance policies could emerge, further intensifying the debate surrounding this bill. The effectiveness and efficiency of the tax credit in achieving its goals will likely be scrutinized in future legislative sessions.

Companion Bills

OK SB581

Carry Over Income tax credit; employer tax credit for purchase of employee disability insurance; providing amount of credit; prohibiting reduction of income tax to less than zero. Effective date.

Previously Filed As

OK SB581

Income tax credit; employer tax credit for purchase of employee disability insurance; providing amount of credit; prohibiting reduction of income tax to less than zero. Effective date.

OK SB578

Income tax; providing credit for certain qualified software employers and employees. Effective date.

OK HB2566

Revenue and taxation; income tax credit; employers; employees; hydrogen manufacturing; effective date.

OK SB386

Income tax credit; providing credit for certain purchases of naloxone. Effective date.

OK HB2754

Revenue and taxation; civil engineers; employers; employees; income tax credit; tuition reimbursement; compensation; effective date.

OK HB2745

Revenue and taxation; income tax; taxable income; deduction; wages; qualifying employers; qualifying employees; effective date.

OK SB306

Income tax credit; providing credit for the purchase of an e-bike. Effective date.

OK HB2451

Revenue and taxation; income tax credit; qualified employer child care expense; definitions; carryover; fiscal year cap; child care workers; income tax credit; refundability; sunset; effective date.

OK SB1063

Income tax; providing credit for providing certain child care services. Effective date.

OK HB1934

Students; creating the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act; creating income tax credit for certain taxpayers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.