Minnesota House Bill HF2502

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/25
• Refer: 3/17/25

Caption

Individual income tax; child credit phaseout increased to eliminate the marriage penalty.

Impact

The proposed amendments to Minnesota Statutes will adjust the phaseout threshold for child credit eligibility for individual income tax filers. Married couples filing jointly would see their threshold increase from $35,000 to $63,900, while other filers would see their threshold change from $29,500 to $31,950. Additionally, the bill allows for an inflation adjustment of the credit amounts starting in 2025, ensuring that the benefits are preserved in the face of rising living costs. This change is significant as it promotes a more equitable tax structure that recognizes the financial realities of families.

Summary

House File 2502 seeks to amend Minnesota's taxation laws by increasing the phaseout thresholds for child credits to eliminate the marriage penalty. By adjusting the current thresholds, the bill aims to provide equitable tax relief for married couples compared to single filers, thereby addressing disparities in tax burdens based on marital status. The changes introduced in this bill will primarily benefit those families with children, as they may experience an improved financial situation through enhanced child credits.

Contention

While the bill garners support for its intent to rectify the marriage penalty in tax law, there may be discussions about its long-term fiscal implications on state revenue. Some may argue that eliminating the marriage penalty could lead to potential revenue losses for the state, particularly if many families end up benefiting substantially from the adjusted thresholds. Legislative debates might also focus on whether the inflation adjustment sufficiently addresses the evolving economic conditions that affect taxpayers.