Pennsylvania House Bill HB2612

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/1/24
• Refer: 10/1/24

Caption

Amending the act of December 20, 1996 (P.L.1504, No.195), known as the Taxpayers' Bill of Rights, in taxpayers' rights, further providing for abatement of certain interest, penalties and additions to tax and for authority to remove lien; and, in intradepartmental documents and reports, further providing for technical memoranda and for advisory opinions.

Impact

The changes introduced by HB 2612 are expected to positively impact the landscape of state tax regulations by enhancing taxpayer protections and responsiveness from the Department of Revenue. The expedited processes for lien removal are crucial for taxpayers who may face financial distress due to unresolved tax obligations. Furthermore, by providing advisory opinions and technical memoranda to clarify tax liabilities and rights, the bill aims to increase transparency and trust in the tax administration system.

Summary

House Bill 2612 proposes amendments to the Taxpayers' Bill of Rights in Pennsylvania, focusing on providing enhancements to taxpayer rights related to the abatement of certain interest, penalties, and additions to taxes. The bill mandates that interest or assessment penalties caused by errors or delays in processing by the Department of Revenue are to be abated, which is a significant shift aimed at protecting taxpayers from undue penalties due to administrative issues. Moreover, it establishes clear timelines for the removal of tax liens, stipulating that the Department must act within 24 hours to remove a lien once the underlying debt has been resolved.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2612 appears to be generally supportive, with many stakeholders recognizing the necessity for better taxpayer protection measures. Advocates argue that this bill would rectify injustices where taxpayers are unfairly penalized for administrative delays. However, there may be some opposition from factions concerned about the potential increases in administrative burden on the Department of Revenue, which may arise from the stipulated timelines for lien removals and advisory opinion rendering.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between enhancing taxpayer rights and ensuring that the Department of Revenue can efficiently manage its responsibilities without excessive operational strain. Some lawmakers have raised concerns about how these reforms might affect the department's capacity to execute tax collection and enforcement effectively. As the bill is further debated, it will be important to address these concerns to ensure that taxpayer rights are fortified while still maintaining effective tax administration.