New Jersey Senate Bill S1008

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/22
• Refer: 1/31/22

Caption

Establishes ReadyReturn Program; requires Taxation to prepare initial tax filing for certain taxpayers; requires several State agencies to use tax data to facilitate identification and enrollment for certain social services programs; makes an appropriation.

Impact

The ReadyReturn Program is expected to facilitate increased participation in tax filing by removing barriers that often deter low-income individuals. By using existing data to pre-fill tax returns, the program not only simplifies the filing process but aims to increase state revenue through higher filing rates. Additionally, by connecting tax data with social services programs, the state anticipates reduced administrative costs and improved efficiency in enrolling individuals for benefits, ultimately benefiting the social safety net for those in need.

Summary

Senate Bill S1008, known as the ReadyReturn Program Act, aims to streamline the tax filing process for low-income residents of New Jersey by allowing the state tax division to prepare income tax returns using data already collected from wage reports. The program targets individuals who may not file tax returns due to lack of awareness or difficulties in accessing necessary forms and includes participation options for those eligible for state and federal benefits. The bill establishes a coordinated effort among various state agencies to utilize this tax data to identify and enroll residents in essential social services programs.

Contention

Concerns have been raised regarding the program's implementation, notably the privacy of shared tax information among different state agencies. While proponents argue that the initiative promotes efficiency and access to critical services, some critics question the adequacy of protections for taxpayers' personal information and the potential for miscommunication among agencies leading to eligibility errors for state assistance. Balancing data sharing for administrative efficiency with privacy and accuracy remains a point of contention in legislative discussions surrounding the bill.