Relating to a sales and use tax exemption for certain disabled veterans and surviving spouses of certain disabled veterans.
Impact
If enacted, HB343 will amend the Texas Tax Code, specifically Subchapter H of Chapter 151, by adding a new section dedicated to this exemption. The law aims to alleviate some financial burdens faced by disabled veterans and their families, providing them with greater financial relief in their everyday purchases. Furthermore, the bill establishes a process for veterans to apply for a registration number, which they must present when claiming the exemption. Additionally, this registration must be renewed every four years to ensure compliance with the law.
Summary
House Bill 343 seeks to create a sales and use tax exemption specifically for certain disabled veterans and surviving spouses of disabled veterans in Texas. This legislation proposes that any taxable item sold, leased, rented, or consumed by individuals meeting specified criteria will be exempt from tax. The key eligibility requirement is that the veteran must hold a registration number issued under this section, which they can obtain if they are residents, have served honorably in the armed forces, and are rated at 100% disability by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs due to service-related issues.
Contention
The bill may encounter resistance from some lawmakers who could argue that implementing an exemption based on disability status might complicate the tax code and administrative processes for the state. Concerns might also arise regarding the fairness of the exemption among different groups of taxpayers. On the other hand, supporters of the bill see it as a necessary step to honor the sacrifices made by veterans and to support their families, especially in light of the ongoing challenges they may face after serving in the military.
Relating to a limitation on increases in the appraised value for ad valorem tax purposes of the residence homesteads of military veterans, individuals who are disabled or 65 years of age or older, and their surviving spouses.
Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran regardless of whether the property was the residence homestead of the surviving spouse when the disabled veteran died.
Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.
Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses.
Relating to the establishment of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that certain taxing units may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.
Relating to the establishment of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that certain taxing units may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses.
Relating to the transfer of the regulation of property tax professionals from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to the comptroller of public accounts; providing civil and administrative penalties.
Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities and the transfer of its functions to the Texas Workforce Commission.
Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities and the transfer of its functions to the comptroller of public accounts.
Relating to a Pan American Games trust fund, an Olympic Games trust fund, a Major Events trust fund, a Motor Sports Racing trust fund, and an Events trust fund for sporting and non-sporting events, and to the abolishment of the special event trust fund.