Monday, June 24, 2019

NO, NO. A THOUSAND TIMES NO!


On June 20, the House Ways and Means Committee approved 3 tax-related bills -

* The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (H.R. 3301) would extend through 2020 some 40 tax provisions that expired or are about to expire and provides disaster tax relief portion, funded by ending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act's estate tax exemption in 2022 instead of in 2025.

* The Economic Mobility Act of 2019 (H.R. 3300) would expand the earned income tax credit and make the child tax credit fully refundable.

* The Promoting Respect for Individuals' Dignity and Equality (PRIDE) Act of 2019 (H.R. 3299), would permit same-sex married couples to amend their filing status for income tax returns with respect to which the statute of limitations has already passed.

All three bills received votes primarily along partisan lines. There is no indication if and when the legislation would reach the House floor for a vote.

I certainly support the Senate Republicans promise that the extenders package is "dead on arrival".  I oppose the extension of these tax benefits – and most certainly if the extension is retroactive to 2018 (not sure if they are in this bill).  Having temporary tax benefits that are constantly extended is truly stupid.  And creating tax deductions and credits that are retroactive to a prior tax year whose returns have already been filed creates problems and agita for taxpayers, tax preparers and the IRS, as well as for state tax agencies. 

I also strongly oppose expanding the Earned Income Credit and making the Child Tax Credit fully refundable.  The EIC does not belong in the Tax Code, and I oppose ALL refundable credits.  The Tax Code should not be used to distribute federal welfare benefits, and refundable credits in general are a magnet for tax fraud.    

I have no problem with promoting respect for individuals' dignity and equality.

Senate Republicans have announced their opposition to all of the bills.

So, what do you think?

TTFN 







No comments: