If enacted, SB821 would amend the existing Tax Reform Code of 1971 by adding a new article that specifically addresses the needs and acknowledgment of National Guard members. This change would allow these individuals to reduce their tax liability, thus enhancing their financial situation, particularly for those balancing civilian duties alongside military obligations. The legislation seeks to strengthen the support for military personnel and recognize their contributions to the state's security.
Summary
Senate Bill 821, introduced in Pennsylvania, proposes a tax credit for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard to support their service. The bill outlines eligibility criteria, requiring individuals to be active members who have served for at least two full years and to be residents of Pennsylvania during that period. The proposed tax credit is capped at $500 against the taxpayer's qualified tax liability, aimed at providing some financial relief to service members. Furthermore, the bill specifies that the application for the tax credit must be submitted with the annual tax return, ensuring that necessary verification processes are in place.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around SB821 appears to be positive among its proponents, who see this bill as a much-needed recognition of service members. Supporters argue that it provides a practical benefit that may not only help with financial burdens but also boost morale among the National Guard. However, there may also be some concern about the potential financial implications for the state budget and how the tax credit could affect overall tax revenues.
Contention
While there seems to be bipartisan support for the bill, the proposal could ignite discussions regarding military-related benefits and the adequacy of financial support for all service members. Key points of contention might arise from debates about the impact of the tax credit on state finances and whether sufficient safeguards are in place to prevent misuse or fraud in claiming the credit. Furthermore, addressing the concerns of taxpayers who may not perceive such benefits as equitably addressed, given the varying experiences of veterans and active-duty personnel in the state.
In personal income tax, further providing for classes of income; in corporate net income tax, further providing for definitions; and providing for personal health investment tax credit.
In personal income tax, further providing for classes of income; in corporate net income tax, further providing for definitions; and providing for personal health investment tax credit.
In personal income tax, further providing for classes of income and for special tax provisions for poverty and providing for alternative special tax provisions for poverty; in corporate net income tax, further providing for definitions, for imposition of tax, for reports and payment of tax, for consolidated reports and for manufacturing innovation and reinvestment deduction; in realty transfer tax, further providing for transfer of tax; in tax credit and tax benefit administration, further providing for definitions; in entertainment production tax credit, further providing for definitions, for credit for qualified film production expenses, for carryover, carryback and assignment of credit and for limitations; in Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) tax credits, providing for biotechnology; in neighborhood assistance tax credit, further providing for tax credit and for grant of tax credit; providing for expanded neighborhood improvement zones; in Pennsylvania Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit Program, further providing for credit for child and dependent care employment-related expenses; providing for Public Transportation Trust Fund; and, in general provisions, further providing for underpayment of estimated tax, for method of filing and for allocation of tax credits.
In tax credit and tax benefit administration, further providing for definitions; and providing for tax credits for rehabilitation and reconstruction of certain factory and mill buildings and for a business tax credit.