Rhode Island House Bill H6658

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/22
• Refer: 1/6/22

Caption

State Tax Officials

Impact

By enacting HB 6658, the state aims to alleviate the financial burden on individuals and businesses that face tax delinquencies by adjusting how interest accrues on unpaid taxes. With a maximum interest rate capped at 21%, the legislative intent is to ensure that taxpayers are not overwhelmed by interest accumulation. Furthermore, the bill includes a provision to waive interest and penalties on the forgiven portions of Paycheck Protection Program loans, provided the taxes are paid by a specified deadline. This aims to foster compliance among taxpayers potentially affected by economic disruptions.

Summary

House Bill 6658 introduced in Rhode Island aims to amend section 44-1-7 of the General Laws concerning the regulations surrounding state tax officials and the interest rates applied to delinquent tax payments. The bill proposes to set the interest rate for unpaid state taxes as the prime rate plus six percent, and places a cap on the interest assessment to a maximum of four calendar years before the notice of delinquency is sent to taxpayers. This change responds to the need for a more manageable interest rate for taxpayers who have outstanding debts to the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention during discussions around HB 6658 included debates over the appropriateness of establishing a new interest calculation method that aligns with prevailing market rates. Some lawmakers expressed concerns that raising interest rates too high might further hinder tax compliance and disproportionately affect lower-income taxpayers. Others argued that the waiver provision for the Paycheck Protection Program loans might complicate the tax system and create loopholes that could be abused. Overall, the bill reflects a significant shift in state tax policy aiming for a balanced approach to taxation and financial fairness.