Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB853

Introduced
6/18/25  

Caption

Providing for small business minimum wage increase tax credit.

Impact

The implementation of SB 853 is expected to significantly impact the financial landscape for small businesses by alleviating some of the burdens associated with higher wage obligations. By offering a tax credit, the bill seeks to promote compliance with wage increases while simultaneously supporting job retention and employee welfare within small businesses. This may stimulate job creation and encourage a more equitable wage structure in the workforce, particularly benefiting low-wage employees who rely on income stability. Furthermore, because the credit is expressed as a percentage of the wage increase, it also functions as an incentive for businesses to adopt fair wage practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 853 aims to amend the Tax Reform Code of 1971 to introduce a small business minimum wage increase tax credit. This credit is intended to assist small businesses, defined as those with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, in managing the impacts of an increase in the minimum wage. Specifically, the bill allows these businesses to claim a tax credit against their state tax liability that is linked to the increase in compensation for employees who were previously earning below the new minimum wage level. It stipulates a structured credit system where businesses can receive 50% of the increased wage in the first year following a wage hike and 25% in the second year, with the credit expiring by the third year after such an increase.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 853 is generally positive among proponents who advocate for fair labor practices and the economic viability of small businesses. Supporters view the bill as essential for fostering a balanced approach to wage reforms, ensuring that businesses are not unduly burdened while striving to meet obligations to their employees. However, some opponents may express concerns over the effectiveness of tax credits in actually enhancing employee welfare versus simply subsidizing business expenses. The debate often revolves around the adequacy of the proposed tax relief measures to make a tangible difference in workers' lives.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential long-term effectiveness of tax credits such as those proposed in SB 853. Critics argue that while the immediate financial relief may aid businesses, it does not address deeper systemic issues such as the sustainability of small businesses in the context of minimum wage laws. Furthermore, there may be debate over the definition of 'small business' and whether it sufficiently covers the entities needing support. As discussions progress, some stakeholders may advocate for additional provisions that extend beyond tax credits to include other forms of financial or regulatory support aimed at further ensuring the sustainability and growth of small businesses in an increasingly competitive economic environment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB517

Providing for a construction job tax credit and for compliance with prevailing wage for tax credits and imposing penalties.

PA SB334

In research and development tax credit, further providing for limitation on credits; and providing for Angel Investment Tax Credit.

PA SB823

Providing for a work-based learning tax credit.

PA HB1958

Providing for employer child care contribution tax credit.

PA HB653

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.

PA HB1219

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.

PA SB664

Providing for small business tax reinvestment.

PA HB1391

Providing for the tourism marketing and promotion tax credit.

PA HB2565

In Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) Tax Credits, repealing provisions relating to local resource manufacturing and for Pennsylvania Milk Processing and providing for Reliable Energy Investment Tax Credit and for Pennsylvania Milk Processing; in Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, further providing for definitions, for eligibility, for application and approval of tax credit, for use of tax credits and for applicability; in semiconductor manufacturing and biomedical manufacturing and research, further providing for definitions and for application and approval of tax credit and providing for sustainable aviation fuel; and, in application of Prevailing Wage Act, further providing for definitions.

PA HB2402

In Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) tax credits, further providing for definitions and for application and approval of tax credit, providing for sustainable aviation fuel and further providing for definitions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.