Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB671

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/28/23
• Refer: 4/28/23
• Refer: 5/2/23
• Report Pass: 5/2/23
• Engrossed: 5/3/23
• Refer: 5/5/23

Caption

Further providing for title of act; providing for local taxes in cities of the first class, for prohibition of tax on certain individuals and for reimbursement of taxes; and making repeals.

Impact

One of the key impacts of SB671 is that it allows cities of the first class to impose taxes while simultaneously restricting these cities from levying taxes on income subject to state tax or license fees. Moreover, the bill mandates a reimbursement mechanism where residents of municipalities will receive credits for local taxes paid, influencing state-local fiscal relationships. The proposal reflects an effort to streamline tax collection and ensure that local governments maintain fiscal autonomy without unduly burdening residents who work outside their jurisdictions.

Summary

Senate Bill 671 amends the existing Local Tax Enabling Act of 1965 to clarify and expand the authority of cities of the first class in Pennsylvania to levy, assess, and collect local taxes. Specifically, the bill introduces Chapter 6, which outlines the conditions under which these cities can impose taxes on individuals and businesses operating within their jurisdictions. It also specifies prohibitions on certain types of taxes based on residency and where employment duties are performed, ensuring that non-residents are only taxed for income earned within the city's boundaries.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB671 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that the bill will enhance local governments' ability to manage their finances and respond to community-specific needs through more effective tax policy. Conversely, critics may perceive the bill as complicated due to the introduction of specific provisions governing taxation rules for non-residents, which could lead to confusion and administrative challenges for local governments and taxpayers alike.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the implications of the tax prohibitions and the reimbursement conditions outlined in the bill. Critics are concerned that prohibiting certain tax types for non-residents could deter businesses from setting up operations in cities of the first class, potentially hindering economic growth. Furthermore, the provisions regarding the reimbursement of taxes to the municipalities could add additional layers of complexity in implementation and affect fiscal operations for local governments, raising questions about the efficacy and practicality of the proposed measures.