Massachusetts Senate Bill S2390

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/24/23

Caption

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Impact

The amendments will impact how financial institutions determine their taxable income, likely leading to alterations in tax liabilities depending on their operations and income sources. By changing the distribution of weights on the factors taken into consideration—reducing the property and payroll factors while increasing the importance of receipts—S2390 aims to simplify the tax calculation process for financial institutions. This could encourage institutions to engage more actively in business within the Commonwealth, ultimately fostering economic growth.

Summary

Bill S2390 proposes amendments to Chapter 63 of the General Laws concerning the apportionment of taxable net income for financial institutions operating both within and outside the Commonwealth. The amendments particularly address how the net income of these institutions should be calculated, introducing changes to the percentages allocated to various factors – property, payroll, and receipts. The goal is to ensure a more equitable taxation framework that does not unfairly burden local institutions while still preserving revenue for the state.

Contention

A point of contention surrounding S2390 arises from the potential implications for financial institutions that may now find themselves liable for a higher tax burden based on the new formula for apportionment. Critics may argue that the changes favor larger entities that are better positioned to maximize their receipts in the Commonwealth, potentially marginalizing smaller institutions. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding transparency and the fairness of how these changes are implemented and monitored, as businesses seek clarity on their future liabilities.