Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3103

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 

Caption

Relating to the jurisdiction of this state to tax tangible personal property that is used continually in this state.

Impact

The implications of HB3103 could significantly affect how businesses are taxed on their tangible personal property. By establishing clearer criteria for property use, the bill seeks to reduce ambiguity for businesses regarding their tax obligations. This may lead to more uniform execution of tax regulations at the state level, thereby benefiting businesses that utilize property for multiple assignments within the state. Additionally, it aims to mitigate disputes that may arise from differing interpretations of what constitutes continual usage of property, which can lead to unnecessary litigation and tax-related complications.

Summary

House Bill 3103 focuses on the jurisdiction of the state of Texas in taxing tangible personal property that is used continuously within the state. The bill introduces an amendment to Section 11.01 of the Texas Tax Code, specifying the conditions under which property is considered to be used continually. The definition provided is that property will be deemed continually used if it is utilized three or more times on regular routes or for three or more completed assignments throughout the year occurring in close succession. This clarification aims to standardize how property usage is interpreted for taxation purposes, ensuring consistency across the state.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB3103 appears to be neutral to positive, particularly among businesses that would benefit from clearer tax regulations. Proponents argue that a precise definition of property usage promotes fairness and transparency in tax assessments. However, as with many tax-related bills, there might be some opposition from groups concerned about potential increases in tax liabilities or from stakeholders who feel that the state should provide more flexibility in usage definitions to account for various business models. Nonetheless, the conversations have mainly highlighted the necessity for clarity within the existing tax framework.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the interpretation of 'close succession' in property usage. While the bill aims to clarify existing tax code provisions, stakeholders may still disagree on what constitutes reasonable intervals for property use, leading to potential disputes. Moreover, the bill's passage may raise concerns among those who feel that such definitions could be leveraged to impose higher taxes on property that might have been previously categorized under different usage criteria. Therefore, while the intent is to clarify, the execution and interpretation of these new guidelines could still foster debate within the legislative and business communities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.