Reporting on business franchise tax.
By implementing these reporting requirements, SF0042 is expected to improve the state's understanding of business activities and economic contributions within Wyoming. However, the bill has established confidentiality provisions, ensuring that reported information is kept confidential and not disclosed under the Wyoming Public Records Act. Aggregated data will be shared without identifying any specific entities, which could assist the Department of Revenue and legislative committees in future decision-making regarding taxation and business regulation.
Senate File 0042 (SF0042) concerns the reporting requirements for business entities in Wyoming, specifically focusing on the business franchise tax. The bill mandates that entities required to submit annual reports also provide detailed information to the secretary of state, including total gross receipts for federal tax purposes, the portion of income earned in Wyoming, the home state for federal income tax allocation, and the total payroll within the state. This requirement aims to enhance transparency and data collection for state revenue purposes.
Notably, SF0042 faced contention during discussions prior to its vote, with a voting outcome of 5 in favor and 25 against on February 16, 2022, indicating a lack of support. Opponents may have raised concerns regarding the burden of additional reporting on businesses, particularly smaller entities that may struggle to comply with increased regulatory requirements. The balance between adequate state revenue collection and the administrative burden on businesses was a critical point of contention among lawmakers.
This bill also allows the secretary of state to adopt necessary rules for collecting this information, aiming for an efficient electronic filing system. The effective date of the act will be July 1, 2023, contingent upon the completion of all legislative procedures required for the bill to become law.