The bill introduces penalties for those larger business registrants who fail to comply with the electronic filing requirements. Specifically, a penalty of 5% of the unpaid tax amount—up to a maximum of $500—will be imposed for failure to file electronically, along with a $50 penalty for failure to submit the tax return by electronic means. This shift towards electronic compliance represents a significant change in Rhode Island’s tax administration process, aiming to enhance efficiency and accountability.
House Bill 7928 is a legislative act that pertains to the taxation framework in Rhode Island, specifically focusing on large business registrants. The bill mandates that businesses with an annual tax liability of at least $5,000 or an annual gross income exceeding $100,000 must electronically file their tax returns and remit payments starting from January 1, 2023. This electronic filing requirement aims to streamline the tax collection process and increase compliance among larger entities operating within the state.
While the bill is primarily focused on improving tax collection and compliance, there may be concerns regarding the burden it places on smaller businesses that fall into the category of 'larger business registrants'. Some stakeholders may argue that the definitions set within the bill could impose undesirable hardships on companies that are not fully equipped to handle electronic filing. However, proponents believe the move towards digital tax submissions will ultimately be beneficial in creating a more efficient taxation system.