Minnesota Senate Bill SF2196

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/23
• Refer: 2/27/23

Caption

Employer-provided child care expenses income and corporate franchise tax credit establishment

Impact

If enacted, SF2196 could transform the landscape of employer-provided benefits in Minnesota by making childcare support a financially attractive option for businesses. This could lead to increased competition among employers to offer such benefits, ultimately contributing to an overall uplift in employee satisfaction and retention. Moreover, by legislating this tax credit, the state may facilitate improved access to childcare, particularly for lower-income families, thereby supporting child development and education.

Summary

Bill SF2196 seeks to establish a tax credit for employers who provide childcare expenses, permitting them to claim credits against their state income and corporate franchise taxes. This initiative is modeled after the federal tax credit outlined in section 45F of the Internal Revenue Code. The bill aims to incentivize businesses to support their employees with childcare costs, thereby promoting a family-friendly work environment. This could potentially reduce the financial burdens on working parents, thus encouraging workforce participation, especially among mothers.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding bill SF2196 may stem from the implications of financial incentives for employers. Critics may argue that while the bill is designed to benefit employees, it could lead to unintended consequences, such as significant costs to the state treasury. Additionally, there could be debates regarding the adequacy of the tax credit in meeting the actual childcare costs incurred by employees. Furthermore, there may be concerns about the equitable distribution of childcare support to businesses of all sizes, ensuring that small businesses can also benefit from such incentives.