STATEHOUSE – Indiana House Republicans this week advanced a responsible and sweeping tax-cut package that could put over $1.3 billion back in Hoosiers’ pockets, according to State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford).
The state’s budget reserves are expected to hit a record $5 billion at the end of the fiscal year 2022. May said if House Bill 1002 becomes law, it would be the largest tax cut in state history.
“Thanks to years of responsible fiscal stewardship, Indiana is in a position to return more money to taxpayers while maintaining a strong budget reserve,” May said. “Hoosiers have endured a lot through this pandemic, and these tax cuts could help them cover more of their needs.”
May said the bill would deliver direct relief to working Hoosiers by phasing down Indiana’s individual income tax from 3.23% today to 3% by 2026. If passed, Hoosiers would also pay less on their utility bills with the elimination of the 1.4% Utility Receipts Tax, which would take effect in July. Currently, individuals and businesses pay the Utility Receipts Tax on their monthly electric, natural gas, water, steam, sewage, and telecommunications bills.
About 4.3 million Hoosier taxpayers are set to receive a $125 refund after they file their taxes in 2022 due to higher-than-expected state revenue numbers during the 2021 fiscal year. House Bill 1002 would help streamline this process and ensure about another 900,000 taxpayers also receive a refund.
May said the bill would also encourage new investments by lowering Indiana’s business personal property taxes while ensuring homeowners and schools aren’t negatively impacted by the reduction in revenue. Specifically, the bill eliminates the 30% depreciation floor for newly purchased business personal property starting in January and creates a state income tax credit to offset a portion of the personal property taxes paid on existing equipment. Under current law, businesses pay a tax based on a minimum of 30% of the original purchase price of their business personal property, regardless of the age or the true tax value of the equipment. House Bill 1002 would also exempt more manufacturing and agricultural production inputs from the 7% state sales tax to avoid sales tax pyramiding.
“Indiana is already considered one of the top states to do business,” May said. “These tax cuts would be another incentive for companies to plant roots here or grow their existing operations.”
May said Indiana has paid down well over $1 billion in debt over the last year alone.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on House Bill 1002, which now moves to the Indiana Senate for further consideration.
