To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow for deductions for the performance of certain services by a taxpayer, and for other purposes.
Impact
If enacted, HB 4967 would significantly alter the tax treatment of employee expenses, permitting a wider range of deductions that were previously more restricted. By allowing these deductions to be treated as 'above-the-line' deductions, employees would benefit from an adjustment to their gross income when filing taxes, thereby potentially lowering their overall taxable income. The effective date for these changes is set for taxable years starting after December 31, 2023, marking a clear timeline for implementation.
Summary
House Bill 4967 aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by allowing employees to claim deductions for certain expenses incurred in the performance of their jobs. This includes deductions for essential items such as construction tools, personal protective clothing, and other work-related implements necessary for their job functions. The bill responds to the challenges faced by employees who must purchase their own tools or gear to perform their work, particularly in manual labor and service-oriented sectors.
Contention
While many see the financial relief provided by HB 4967 as a positive step, there could be significant discussion on the implications for the federal tax system. Opponents may argue that such deductions could increase complexities in tax filings and raise concerns over potential abuses or misinterpretations of what constitutes necessary work-related expenses. The balance between supporting workers and maintaining a streamlined tax code may become a focal point for debate among lawmakers.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a deduction for investment advisory expenses of certain funeral and cemetery trusts during suspension of miscellaneous itemized deductions, and for other purposes.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for special rules allowing taxpayers to deduct qualified passenger vehicle loan interest paid or accrued during the taxable year on certain indebtedness, and for other purposes.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow certain credits and deductions to be taken as a refundable tax credit by Puerto Rico businesses or residents, and to extend such credits and deductions to possessions of the United States.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that governmental pension plans may include certain firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics, and for other purposes.
To ensure the successful development of the electronic Income Verification Express Service of the Internal Revenue Service by amending the Taxpayer First Act to clarify that taxpayer identity verification is the responsibility of users of the system rather than the taxpayer, and for other purposes.