The introduction of this bill is expected to increase tax liabilities for high-income individuals, while potentially providing relief for lower-income households through carefully structured deductions and credits. This could lead to a shift in the distribution of tax burdens across various income levels, impacting state revenue streams significantly. Advocates argue that it is a progressive move that would allow the state to better fund essential services such as education and infrastructure.
Summary
S2593 is a legislative act relating to personal income tax in Rhode Island, introduced to amend existing tax law. The bill aims to introduce a new income tax bracket of 10.99% for individuals earning over $400,500, thereby targeting high-income earners. Additionally, it modifies existing personal income tax structures while emphasizing equity in the tax system, proposing adjustments on standard deductions and potentially altering the landscape for many taxpayers in the state.
Contention
Debate surrounding S2593 is likely to focus on its implications for economic equity and the overall tax burden on residents. Proponents assert that the higher rates for wealthy individuals are essential for ensuring public service funding, while opponents may raise concerns about the viability of maintaining a competitive economic environment in Rhode Island. Overall, the bill balances between offering tax relief for lower-income groups and enforcing stricter taxation on the wealthier citizens.
Increases the Rhode Island earned-income credit to twenty percent (20%) on January 1, 2026. Such credit would not exceed the amount of state income tax.
Increases the state earned-income credit as of January 1, 2026 to seventeen percent (17%) of the federal earned-income credit, not to exceed the amount of state income tax.