Texas House Bill HB84

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

Caption

Relating to the exclusion of certain funds in determining total revenue for purposes of the franchise tax by taxable entities engaged in the business of harvesting trees for wood.

Impact

The introduction of HB 84 seeks to provide financial relief to businesses in the wood harvesting industry by adjusting the taxable revenue that is considered when calculating franchise tax obligations. By excluding specific payments to landowners, this legislation has the potential to lower the overall tax burden for these entities, fostering more sustainable practices within the tree harvesting sector and potentially benefiting local economies reliant on such industries. Consequently, it could encourage additional investment and operational expansion within the state.

Summary

House Bill 84 aims to amend the Tax Code regarding the franchise tax assessment for taxable entities primarily engaged in the business of harvesting trees for wood. The bill specifically allows these entities to exclude certain payments made to landowners from their total revenue calculations for the purposes of determining their franchise tax liability. This exclusion pertains to payments made to individuals who own or control the land from which the trees are harvested, provided that these individuals are not the taxable entities themselves.

Contention

In the discussions surrounding HB 84, notable points of contention may arise regarding the implications of such exclusions on state revenue. Critics might argue that allowing these exemptions could reduce the tax base, leading to budgetary constraints for state services. Furthermore, there may be concerns related to equity in the tax system, as entities in different agricultural sectors may not receive similar considerations. This could lead to debates about fairness and the need for a balanced approach when crafting tax legislation that affects diverse industries.