If enacted, SB171 would modify existing family law statutes by ensuring that the parent who pays child support can have the right to claim dependent children for tax purposes under certain conditions. In cases of extended shared parenting, the rights would be proportionally shared based on each parent's adjusted gross income, thereby potentially benefiting families by balancing the tax benefits associated with child support obligations.
Summary
Senate Bill 171, introduced by Senator Azinger, seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia regarding tax exemptions for child support due. Specifically, the bill establishes guidelines for allocating tax exemptions for dependents in cases of child support payments. The proposed legislation allows for the right to claim dependent children for income tax purposes to be assigned based on specific circumstances, particularly concerning shared parenting arrangements. This amendment aims to provide clarity and fairness in determining which parent may claim the tax exemption.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB171 appears to align with efforts to support fairness in child support arrangements while facilitating tax benefits. Advocates for this bill likely view it as a progressive step towards more equitable treatment of parents who fulfill their financial responsibilities through child support. By allowing the payer to claim tax exemptions in particular circumstances, it is argued that the bill could alleviate some financial pressures on supporting parents.
Contention
While the bill seems primarily beneficent in its intentions, potential points of contention could center around perceptions of fairness between parents. Critics may express concerns that allocating the right to claim tax exemptions could favor one parent over the other unless carefully structured, potentially leading to disputes regarding income assessments during child support calculations. This underlines the necessity for ongoing dialogue and consideration of equitable family law practices.