Rhode Island House Bill H5758

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25

Caption

Includes payment of social security benefits to the modification reducing federal adjusted gross income on personal income taxes.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5758 would notably affect how personal income tax is calculated in Rhode Island, especially for retirees and those relying on social security for their income. By reducing the taxable income base when social security benefits are included, the bill targets financial relief for lower and middle-income residents who may struggle to make ends meet on a limited income, aligning the local tax code with broader aims of economic support for vulnerable populations.

Summary

House Bill 5758 aims to amend provisions in the Rhode Island General Laws regarding personal income tax, particularly focusing on how social security benefits are treated in calculating residents' taxable income. The bill proposes to include the payment of social security benefits as a modification that reduces federal adjusted gross income, providing potential tax relief to beneficiaries of these payments. This change is slated to take effect starting January 1, 2025, pending the bill’s passage.

Contention

Discussion around HB 5758 may revolve around the implications of including social security benefits in tax calculations. Supporters argue that it eases the financial burden on elderly residents, thereby allowing them to retain more of their income. Opposition may center on concerns about the fiscal impact on state revenues and whether such modifications may exacerbate existing budgetary constraints, posing challenges to funding public services. As legislators evaluate the bill, there may be debates on its long-term sustainability and fairness relative to other taxpayers.