Minnesota House Bill HF5146

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/25/24
• Refer: 3/25/24

Caption

Dependent care credit total amount and income phaseout threshold increased.

Impact

This bill is expected to have a significant positive impact on state laws concerning family taxation and support for working parents. By increasing the phaseout threshold for the credit, HF5146 allows a wider range of households to qualify for the benefits, thus alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with child care. Additionally, the legislation's implementation of annual adjustments based on inflation aims to ensure that the credit remains responsive to economic conditions and the rising costs of child care services. Overall, the bill seeks to provide better support for families and encourage workforce participation, especially among parents.

Summary

HF5146 aims to enhance the dependent care tax credit for taxpayers in Minnesota by increasing both the credit amount and the income phaseout threshold. Specifically, the bill modifies the existing framework to provide a more substantial financial benefit to families who incur child care expenses. The legislation amends provisions regarding the calculation of the dependent care credit such that taxpayers can claim a credit of $1,500 plus an amount corresponding to the federal dependent care credit, thereby potentially improving the financial situation for many working families. Furthermore, it establishes new criteria for determining deemed employment-related expenses in the context of child care.

Contention

While HF5146 is generally viewed as beneficial, there are competing viewpoints regarding the extent of state financial responsibility in supporting child care. Critics may argue about the necessity of increased tax credits at a time when the state budget faces various pressures, suggesting that funds could be allocated more effectively elsewhere. Proponents of the bill counter these points by emphasizing the importance of investing in child care support as a means to maintain economic stability, workforce participation, and the overall well-being of families, particularly in a post-pandemic economic climate. The discussion around this bill highlights broader concerns about affordability and accessibility of child care in Minnesota.