Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

Maine House Bill LD1882

Introduced
5/3/23  
Refer
5/3/23  
Refer
5/4/23  
Engrossed
6/14/23  
Enrolled
6/15/23  

Caption

An Act to Increase the Deduction from Income for Pension Benefits

Impact

The enactment of LD1882 has the potential to reform state tax laws concerning pension deductions significantly. By raising the deduction limits, the bill is expected to alleviate tax burdens for many retirees, which could result in higher disposable income for this demographic. This change may encourage some seniors to remain in the state, benefiting the local economy by maintaining consumer spending levels among older residents who often contribute to community services and businesses.

Summary

Legislative Document 1882, titled 'An Act to Increase the Deduction from Income for Pension Benefits,' aims to enhance pension deductions for taxpayers beginning in 2023. The bill proposes increasing the pension deduction from $30,000 to $35,000 for the tax year starting in 2023. Additionally, for tax years starting on or after January 1, 2024, the deduction will rise significantly from $35,000 to $50,000. This initiative is designed to provide greater financial support to individuals receiving pension income, thereby improving the economic security of retirees.

Sentiment

The sentiment around LD1882 has generally been positive, particularly among retired individuals and advocacy groups focused on senior citizen welfare. Proponents argue that these tax relief measures are crucial in ensuring that retirees can afford their living expenses and enjoy a dignified retirement. However, some critics may express concerns regarding the fiscal implications of increased deductions on state revenue and whether such adjustments could lead to budgetary constraints in other essential services, particularly those that benefit younger citizens.

Contention

Notable points of contention around LD1882 may arise from the balance between offering tax relief to retirees and the potential for pressure on state funds. While many support the increase in pension deductions, discussions may center on how to sustain state funding for vital programs if revenues decrease as a result of the deductions. Additionally, there may be debates regarding fairness in tax policy, particularly about how benefits skew toward higher-income retirees while lower-income households may not see substantial relief from changes focused solely on pension deductions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME SB0051

Individual income tax: exemptions; increasing personal exemption, reducing income tax rate, lowering age for unrestricted deduction, and increasing deduction for certain retirement or pension benefits; provide for. Amends secs. 30 & 51 of 1967 PA 281 (MCL 206.30 & 206.51).

ME HB05058

An Act Increasing The Qualifying Income Thresholds For The Pension And Annuity Income Deduction From The Personal Income Tax.

ME SB851

Income tax, state; increases standard deduction.

ME HB219

Exempt certain military pensions and survivor benefits from income taxes

ME H5472

Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. Grant a 2.89% COLA for eligible retirees. Provided a modification reducing federal AGI for public pension benefits from the RI employees retirement system.

ME HB2284

Providing an income tax rate of 5.25% for individuals, exempting all social security benefits from Kansas income tax, increasing the standard deduction by a cost-of-living adjustment, increasing the Kansas personal exemption, decreasing the privilege tax normal tax, establishing a 0% state rate for sales and use taxes for food and food ingredients on April 1, 2024, and increasing the extent of property tax exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy.

ME S0249

Increases monthly minimum benefit for a spouse, domestic partner, former spouse. Grant a 2.89% COLA for eligible retirees. Provided a modification reducing federal AGI for public pension benefits from the RI employees retirement system.

ME SB52

Increasing the income limit for the exemption of social security benefits and exempting certain retirement plan income from Kansas income tax.

ME HB06506

An Act Increasing The Qualifying Income Thresholds For The Personal Income Tax Deductions For Social Security Benefits And Pension Or Annuity Income For Married Individuals Filing Jointly.

ME HB05001

An Act Increasing The Qualifying Income Threshold For The Pension And Annuity Income Deduction For Married Individuals Filing Jointly.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.