Rhode Island Senate Bill S0080

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Report Pass: 6/13/23
• Engrossed: 6/14/23

Caption

Personal Income Tax

Impact

The adjustments proposed by SB S0080 are expected to have a positive impact on lower-income earners in Rhode Island, allowing for increased retainment of income through state tax reductions. It reinforces the intention of the state to align its tax benefits with federal assistance, thus providing a more supportive tax environment for those eligible for the earned-income credit. Furthermore, it indicates a commitment to continually adjust tax benefits to reflect inflation and changes in the economic landscape.

Summary

Senate Bill S0080 addresses amendments to the Rhode Island personal income tax laws. The most significant change is an increase in the state earned-income credit from fifteen percent (15%) to sixteen percent (16%) of the federal earned-income credit for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024. This adjustment is intended to provide more financial support to lower-income residents who qualify for the federal credit, enhancing their overall economic wellbeing.

Contention

While the bill aims to provide additional support to low-income residents, there is potential dissent regarding the overall effectiveness of such tax credits on economic mobility. Critics may voice that merely adjusting percentages does not significantly alleviate poverty or improve income equality. The bill's impact on the state's budget also raises questions, particularly concerning how the increased credits will be funded and whether this leads to budgetary constraints in other areas of public service or infrastructure.