MS
Mississippi House Bill HB544

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB544

Introduced
1/10/25  
Refer
1/10/25  

Caption

Income tax; authorize credit for certain child care expenses, child care centers and child care center teachers and directors.

Impact

The implementation of HB 544 is expected to enhance support for families reliant on child care services. The financial relief from tax credits could incentivize working parents to enroll their children in established child care programs. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for refundable tax credits specifically for teachers and directors employed in such centers, thus benefiting not only families but also child care professionals. Additionally, taxpayers who donate to qualifying child care centers can receive credits against their income taxes, promoting community involvement and financial support for educational institutions.

Summary

House Bill 544 aims to provide various income tax credits to taxpayers incurring child care expenses for their dependent children attending qualified child care centers. Notably, it sets a credit amount of $750 for each qualifying dependent child under six years of age who has attended a qualifying child care center for at least eight months within the year. To be eligible for the credit, the family income must not exceed 400% of the federal poverty level. This bill is poised to alleviate the financial burden of child care, encouraging more families to utilize child care services, especially for lower to moderate-income households.

Contention

While the bill might be broadly beneficial, it could encounter debates regarding the funding and administration of these tax credits. Critics may argue there’s a potential for misuse of the credits or concerns about the state’s revenue impact due to increased exemptions. Furthermore, there may be discussions on the adequacy of the federal poverty level thresholds and whether they truly reflect the financial realities for families across different regions of Mississippi. Such points will likely surface during legislative discussions and votes as stakeholders assess the overall implications.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB130

Income tax; authorize credit for certain child care expenses, child care centers and child care center teachers and directors.

MS HB204

Income tax; authorize credit for certain child care expenses, child care centers and child care center teachers and directors.

MS HB322

Income tax; authorize credit for certain child care expenses, child care centers and child care teachers and directors.

MS HB545

Income tax; authorize credit for certain child care expenses, child care centers and child care teachers and directors.

MS SB2898

Income tax; authorize credits for certain child care expenses and for Pre-K providers for care of certain children.

MS SB2475

Income tax; authorize credits for certain child care expenses and for Pre-K providers for care of certain children.

MS SB2696

Income tax credit for qualified adoption expenses; increase amount for Mississippi children and remove CPS requirement.

MS HB1985

Income tax and ad valorem tax; authorize a child credit, bring forward various tax credit sections of law.

MS HB1268

Income tax; increase tax credit allowed for child adoption expenses.

MS HB262

Income tax; extend reverter on credit allowed for child adoption expenses.

Similar Bills

MS HB96

Income tax; authorize credit for certain child care expenses, child care centers and child care center teachers and directors.

MS HB130

Income tax; authorize credit for certain child care expenses, child care centers and child care center teachers and directors.

MS HB204

Income tax; authorize credit for certain child care expenses, child care centers and child care center teachers and directors.

MS HB213

Income tax; authorize credit for certain child care expenses, child care centers and child care teachers and directors.

MS HB545

Income tax; authorize credit for certain child care expenses, child care centers and child care teachers and directors.

MS HB227

Income tax; authorize credit for certain child care expenses, child care centers and child care teachers and directors.

MS HB322

Income tax; authorize credit for certain child care expenses, child care centers and child care teachers and directors.

MS SB2324

Early Learning Collaborative Act; revise to include three year old children for voluntary prekindergarten.