Virginia House Bill HB273

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Income tax, state; subtractions and deductions related to Paycheck Protection Program loans.

Impact

The bill would modify the existing tax framework by incorporating specific provisions that exempt certain types of income related to PPP loans from being taxed in Virginia. This would be a beneficial change for small businesses or sole proprietors who utilized these federal loans to navigate financial difficulties. With these amendments, the state aims to align its tax treatment of PPP loan income with federal guidelines, ensuring that businesses do not face double taxation on funds intended to support their operational continuity during challenging times.

Summary

House Bill 273 proposes amendments to certain sections of the Code of Virginia concerning income tax. Specifically, it introduces subtractions and deductions related to income derived from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for state income tax purposes. This bill aims to ensure that income received from these loans, which were designed to assist businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, does not lead to additional tax liabilities at the state level. Advocates for the bill argue that these measures are necessary to support economic recovery by minimizing the fiscal burden on businesses that received such assistance.

Contention

However, there were some contentious discussions surrounding the bill's introduction. Opponents may express concerns regarding potential revenue loss for the state treasury, particularly as these deductions may significantly reduce the taxable income reported by numerous businesses. Additionally, there are ongoing debates about the balance between providing fiscal relief and maintaining state revenue levels, which are crucial for funding public services. The voting history indicates that the bill faced resistance, exemplified by a failed attempt to progress it in the House Finance Committee, where it was voted down with 8 votes in favor and 13 against.