New Jersey Senate Bill S2955

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/8/22
• Refer: 8/8/22

Caption

Allows farm operators to accelerate depreciation of certain expenditures under corporation business and gross income taxes.

Impact

The enactment of S2955 would primarily impact the state's corporation business tax and gross income tax regulations. It provides farm operators the ability to deduct business expenses more rapidly, encouraging capital investments within the agricultural sector. The legislative intention is to support and stimulate business growth for New Jersey's farming enterprises, which may lead to an increase in agricultural productivity and potentially enhance local economies. By allowing these tax benefits, the bill aims to boost the financial viability of farms, particularly those that are smaller or facing financial pressure.

Summary

Senate Bill 2955, introduced in New Jersey, allows farm operators to accelerate depreciation on certain expenditures for tax purposes. The bill aligns state tax laws more closely with federal regulations under sections 168 and 179 of the Internal Revenue Code. This means that farming enterprises can benefit from an accelerated depreciation allowance on capital expenditures, granting them a significant tax relief in comparison to the current state regulations which have not kept pace with federal changes since the early 2000s.

Contention

While the bill appears to have broad support in its intention to assist farmers, there may be concerns regarding its financial implications for state revenues. Critics may argue that accelerating deductions could reduce tax income for the state, limiting funding for other essential public services. Additionally, there may be worries about whether all farming enterprises actually benefit from these changes, particularly smaller operators who may not have the capital to invest in substantial new assets. The balance between tax relief for farmers and the need to maintain state fiscal responsibilities will likely be a point of debate as the bill progresses.