New Jersey Assembly Bill A2055

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/22
• Refer: 2/3/22

Caption

Excludes under gross income tax certain contributions to qualified pension plans, deferred compensation plans and provides deduction for certain individual retirement savings.

Impact

If passed, A2055 would amend various sections of the New Jersey tax code, effectively enhancing tax benefits for individuals contributing to their retirement savings through employer-sponsored plans. The bill aims to ensure that public and nonprofit sector employees receive similar tax advantages as those available to their counterparts in the private sector. By doing this, A2055 could encourage higher rates of retirement savings among these groups, who may otherwise face disincentives due to previous tax treatment under state law.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2055 focuses on reforming the New Jersey gross income tax by excluding certain pension contributions from taxable income. The bill aims to create more equitable tax treatment for contributions made to federally qualified pension plans and deferred compensation plans, both for public and private sector employees. Specifically, the bill proposes excluding these contributions from gross income taxation, which aligns more closely with the tax treatment available under federal law. This change is intended to alleviate the tax burden on employees who contribute to these retirement savings vehicles.

Contention

There are potential points of contention regarding the financial implications of A2055 for the state treasury, particularly concerning how excluding these contributions from taxable income might affect overall state revenues. Proponents argue that enhancing tax deductions would stimulate savings and create a more balanced playing field for employees across different sectors. However, opponents may raise concerns about the long-term fiscal impacts of such deductions on state funding and the effectiveness of tax incentives in genuinely increasing retirement savings.