Minnesota House Bill HF916

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/25
• Refer: 2/17/25

Caption

Individual income and corporate franchise taxes; income subtraction provided for certain commercial loans issued by financial institutions.

Impact

The proposed changes in HF916 are expected to impact state tax revenues, specifically by reducing the taxable income reported by financial institutions on loans that meet the criteria outlined in the bill. This may lead to a decrease in tax income for the state but is justified by proponents as a necessary incentive for enhanced business and agricultural activities. By making it financially easier for businesses to secure loans without facing immediate tax burdens, the hope is to foster a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship and agricultural expansion.

Summary

HF916 proposes amendments to Minnesota's individual income and corporate franchise taxes by allowing a subtraction from income for specific commercial loans issued by financial institutions. The bill specifies that if the loan's value is $5,000,000 or less and is provided to individuals residing or located within the state, primarily for business or agricultural purposes, the income derived from such loans may be subtracted from taxable income. This move aims to encourage lending for business and agricultural development within Minnesota, potentially stimulating economic growth in these sectors.

Contention

Discussions surrounding the bill will likely revolve around the implications of these tax incentives on state revenue and whether they will effectively stimulate the intended economic activities. Some legislators may express concerns regarding the potential loss of tax revenue, questioning whether the benefits to businesses and agriculture will outweigh these losses. Moreover, there might be debates over the fairness of such tax structures, ensuring that such incentives are not disproportionately beneficial to larger corporations at the expense of smaller businesses.