Governor Charles D. Baker's Budget Recommendation - House 1 Fiscal Year 2016

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Personal Income Tax - All Detail


Fiscal Year 2016 Personal Income Tax (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE
FY2012

FY2013

FY2014

FY2015

FY2016
1.000 - Exclusions from Gross Income 3,592.5 3,844.3 3,909.2 4,072.5 4,242.6
1.100 - Deferrals of Gross Income 967.9 955.4 936.4 1,080.5 1,305.6
1.200 - Deductions from Gross Income 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
1.300 - Accelerated Deductions from Gross Income 105.1 102.5 107.8 105.8 104.8
1.400 - Deductions from Adjusted Gross Income 810.1 840.0 855.8 870.1 886.6
1.500 - Preferential Rate of Taxation 0.0 0.1 0.7 2.3 2.3
1.600 - Credits Against Tax 217.9 229.6 249.0 255.8 263.7

 

Fiscal Year 2016 Resource Summary (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 FY2016
Exclusions from Gross Income 3,592.5 3,844.3 3,909.2 4,072.5 4,242.6

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item description amount
Exclusions from Gross Income 4,242.6
1.001 Exemption of Premiums on Accident and Accidental Death Insurance 1
Employer contributions for premiums on accident and accidental death insurance are not included in the income of the employee and are deductible by the employer.

Origin:  IRC S. 106
Estimate:  $26.1
 
26.1
1.002 Exemption of Premiums on Group-Term Life Insurance 1
Employer payments of employee group-term life insurance premiums for coverage up to $50,000 per employee are not included in income by the employee and are deductible by the employer.

Origin:  IRC S. 79
Estimate:  $21.0
 
21.0
1.003 Exemption of Interest on Life Insurance Policy and Annuity Cash Value
Interest, which is credited annually on the cash value of a life insurance policy or annuity contract, is not included in the income of the policyholder or annuitant. Only when a life insurance policy is surrendered before death or when annuity payments commence does the interest become subject to tax. (Interest on dividends left on deposit is taxable.)

Origin:  IRC S. 101
Estimate:  $216.6
 
216.6
1.004 Exemption of Employer Contributions for Medical Insurance Premiums and Medical Care 1
Employer contributions for medical insurance premiums and reimbursements for medical care are not included in the income of the employee and are deductible by the employer.

Origin:  IRC S. 105 and 106
Estimate:  $968.7
 
968.7
1.005 Exemption of Annuity or Pension Payments to Fire and Police Personnel
Income from noncontributory annuities or pensions to certain retired fire and police personnel or their survivors are tax-exempt.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 32
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
1.006 Exemption of Distributions from Certain Contributory Pension and Annuity Plans 2
Certain pensions and annuity distributions are tax-exempt under Massachusetts law. They are payments from contributory plans of the U.S. government, Massachusetts and its subdivisions, and other states that do not tax such income from Massachusetts. Any benefits in excess of contributions not taxed by Massachusetts constitute this tax expenditure.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 2(a)(2)(E)
Estimate:  $351.9
 
351.9
1.007 Exemption of Railroad Retirement Benefits
Railroad retirement benefits are not taxed. (Massachusetts has not adopted Internal Revenue Code section 86, which taxes some of these benefits if a taxpayer's income is above a certain level.)

Comment: No adjustment is made for any prior payments taxpayers may have made to fund this system since employee payments to this system are taxes rather than contributions.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 2(a)(2)(H)
Estimate:  $4.8
 
4.8
1.008 Exemption of Public Assistance Benefits
Public assistance or welfare benefits are not taxed. These include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, and the like.

Origin:  Rev. Rul. 71-425, 1971-2 C.B. 76
Estimate:  $192.7
 
192.7
1.009 Exemption of Social Security Benefits
Social Security benefits paid to people age 65 or older and their dependents, to persons under 65 who are survivors of deceased workers, and to disabled workers and their dependents are not taxed. Massachusetts has not adopted Internal Revenue Code section 86, which taxes a portion of these payments where a taxpayer's income is above a certain level.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 2 (a)(2)(H)
Estimate:  $913.7
 
913.7
1.010 Exemption of Workers' Compensation Benefits
Workers' compensation benefits are not taxed. These are benefits paid to disabled employees or their survivors for employment-related injuries or diseases.

Origin:  IRC S. 104 (a)(1)
Estimate:  $7.2
 
7.2
1.011 Exemption for Dependent Care Expenses 1
Day care paid for or provided by an employer to an employee, the value of which does not exceed the employee's or employee's spouse's "earned" income, and does not exceed the amount of $5,000, is not included in the income of the employee and is deductible by the employer.

Origin:  IRC S. 129
Estimate:  $15.2
 
15.2
1.012 Exemption of Certain Foster Care Payments
Qualified foster care payments are not includible in the income of a foster parent.

Origin:  IRC S. 131
Estimate:  $3.0
 
3.0
1.013 Exemption of Payments Made to Coal Miners
Coal miners or their survivors may exclude from income payments for disability or death from black lung disease.

Origin:  IRC S. 104(a)(1)
Estimate:  Negligible
 
Negligible
1.014 Exemption of Rental Value of Parsonages 1
A minister may exclude from gross income a rental allowance or the rental value of a parsonage furnished to him or her.

Origin:  IRC S. 107
Estimate:  $2.8
 
2.8
1.015 Exemption of Scholarships and Fellowships
Degree candidates can exclude scholarships and fellowship income if the amounts are not compensation for services or for the payment of room, board or travel expenses.

Origin:  IRC S. 117
Estimate:  $21.6
 
21.6
1.016 Exemption of Certain Prizes and Awards
Prizes and awards are generally required to be included in income. The exemption of certain prizes and awards is generally limited to taxpayers who donate the proceeds to a charitable organization. Certain employee achievement awards are also excluded from gross income.

Origin:  IRC S. 74
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
1.017 Exemption of Cost-Sharing Payments
Portions of government cost-sharing payments to assist in water and soil conservation projects are not includible in the recipient's income.

Origin:  IRC S. 126
Estimate:  Negligible
 
Negligible
1.018 Exemption of Meals and Lodging Provided at Work 1
The value of meals and lodging furnished to the employee by the employer on the business premises for the employer's convenience is not included in the income of the employee. The employer's expenses are deductible.

Origin:  IRC S. 119
Estimate:  $13.1
 
13.1
1.019 Treatment of Business-Related Entertainment Expenses 1
With certain limitations, a business may take a deduction of up to 50% of the cost of business-related entertainment expenses. Generally, the value of the entertainment is not taxed as income to the persons who benefit from the expenditures. The effect is to provide the hosts and their guests with a nontaxable fringe benefit.

Origin:  IRC S. 162
Estimate:  $13.7
 
13.7
1.020 Exemption of Income from the Sale, Lease, or Transfer of Certain Patents
Exemption of Income from the Sale, Lease, or Transfer of Certain Patents Income from the sale, lease or other transfer of approved patents for energy conservation, and income from property subject to such patents, is excluded from gross income for a period of five years.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 2(a)(2)(G)
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
1.021 Exemption of Capital Gains on Home Sales
Taxpayers may exclude up to $250,000 of capital gain (or $500,000 if filing jointly) on the sale of a principle residence. This exclusion from gross income may be taken any number of times, provided the home was the filer's primary residence for an aggregate of at least 2 of the previous 5 years.

Comment: Massachusetts does not adopt the cancellation of Indebtedness on Principal Residence; for federal tax purposes, the exclusion from gross income for qualified principal residence indebtedness that was discharged has been extended until December 31, 2014. Massachusetts does not adopt the extension of the exclusion because IRC S. 108(a)(1)(E) was enacted after January 1, 2005.

Origin:  IRC S. 121
Estimate:  $367.6
 
367.6
1.022 Nontaxation of Capital Gains at Death
Ordinarily, capital gains are taxed at the time appreciated property is transferred. However, no tax is imposed on a capital gain when appreciated property is transferred at death. The appreciation that accrued during the lifetime of the transferor is never taxed as income.

Origin:  IRC S. 1001 and 1014
Estimate:  $886.8
 
886.8
1.023 Exemption of Interest from Massachusetts Obligations
Interest earned on Massachusetts bonds is exempt. The exclusion applies to bonds of Massachusetts agencies, and local subdivisions (cities and towns) as well.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 2 (a)(1)(A)
Estimate:  $54.5
 
54.5
1.024 Exemption of Benefits and Allowances to Armed Forces Personnel 1
Under the January 1, 1998 Code, Massachusetts allowed the federal exclusion for certain military fringe benefits including combat zone compensation, veterans' and medical benefits, disability benefits, moving allowances and a death gratuity benefit of $3,000. As a result of recent legislation under which the Commonwealth incorporated into Massachusetts personal income tax law the Code as amended and in effect on January 1, 2005 (hereinafter referred to as the "Code Update"). This exclusion was extended to include dependent care assistance under a dependent care assistance program, travel benefits received under the Operation Hero Miles program and an increased death benefit gratuity of $12,000.

Origin:  IRC S. 112-113
Estimate:  $30.5
 
30.5
1.025 Exemption of Veterans' Pensions, Disability Compensation and G.I. Benefits
These veterans' benefits are not taxed.

Origin:  38 U.S.C. S. 5301
Estimate:  $40.3
 
40.3
1.026 Exemption of Military Disability Pensions
Disability pensions paid to service personnel are fully excluded from gross income. The portion of a regular pension that is paid on the basis of disability may also be excluded.

Origin:  IRC S. 104(a)(4)
Estimate:  $0.7
 
0.7
1.027 Exemption of Compensation to Massachusetts-Based Nonresident Military Personnel
Compensation paid by the U.S. to nonresident uniformed military personnel on duty at bases within Massachusetts for services rendered while on active duty is defined as compensation from sources outside Massachusetts. It is therefore not taxed.

Comment: This tax treatment follows U.S. statutory law.

Origin:  50 U.S.C. App. 574; M.G.L. c. 62, S. 5A(c)
Estimate:  $9.0
 
9.0
1.028 Exemption for Taxpayers Killed in Military Action or by Terrorist Activity
Massachusetts residents who die in combat while in active military service, or who die as a result of terrorist or military action outside of the U.S. while serving as military or civilian employees of the U.S. are exempt from income taxation.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 25
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
1.029 Exemption for Retirement Pay of the Uniformed Services
Effective January 1, 1997, income received from the United States government as retirement pay and survivorship benefits for a retired member of the Uniformed Services of the United States is exempt from the personal income tax. The Uniformed Services of the United States are: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 2
Estimate:  $25.2
 
25.2
1.030 Parking, T-Pass and Vanpool Fringe Benefits
A federal and Massachusetts exclusion is allowed for employer-provided parking, transit passes and vanpool benefits (i.e. "qualified transportation benefits"), subject to monthly maximums. Massachusetts adopts the federal exclusion as it appeared in the Code on January 1, 2005. Although the Tax Relief Act of 2010 temporarily increased this amount at the federal level, Massachusetts did not conform. For 2015, the federal amounts reverted to their 2005 calculation method, and as a result the state and federal exclusions are the same for tax year 2015: $250 per month for qualified parking, and $130 per month for combined commuter highway vehicle transportation and transit passes. For further discussion, see TIR 14-15.

Origin:  IRC S. 132(f)
Estimate:  $37.3
 
37.3
1.031 Health Savings Accounts
For federal income tax purposes, the earnings in a Health Savings Account (HSA) accrue on a tax-free basis, and qualified distributions from a HSA are excluded from gross income. Prior to the most recent Code update, Massachusetts taxed earnings in a HSA and also taxed distributions to the extent such amounts were not previously taxed by Massachusetts. As a result of the Code update, Massachusetts adopts the federal exclusion for earnings in, and qualified distributions from, a HSA.

Origin:  IRC S. 223
Estimate:  included in 1.422
 
included in 1.422
1.032 Employer-Provided Adoption Assistance
Massachusetts adopts the federal exclusion for employer-provided adoption expenses paid (or treated as paid under IRC sec. 137) on or after January 1, 2005. The federal government extended this exclusion temporarily for 2011. However, as Massachusetts follows the 2005 Code, and so the exclusion sunset after 2010. If Massachusetts were to update to the current code, this expenditure would be restored.

Origin:  IRC S. 137
Estimate:  $0.0
 
$0.0
1.033 Employer-Provided Educational Assistance
Massachusetts adopts the federal exclusion for qualified educational expenses reimbursed to an employee under an employer-provided education assistance program in effect as of the 2005 Code Update. Massachusetts adopts the federal exclusion for qualified educational expenses for undergraduate and graduate education expenses up to the federal annual maximum of $5,250 per calendar year.

Origin:  IRC S. 127 and 132
Estimate:  $11.1
 
11.1
1.035 Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Plan
Massachusetts adopts the federal exclusion for the employee fringe benefit of payments received under the Homeowners Assistance Plan. Such payments are intended to compensate military personnel and certain civilian employees for a reduction in the fair market value of their homes resulting from military or Coast Guard base closure or realignment.

Origin:  IRC S. 132(m)
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
1.036 Survivor Annuities of Fallen Public Safety Officers
For both Massachusetts and federal tax purposes, an exclusion from income is allowed for amounts paid under a governmental plan as an annuity to the survivor of a public safety officer killed in the line of duty. However, a federal Act subsequent to January 1, 1998, created differences between the Massachusetts and federal exclusion amounts. Massachusetts had allowed an exclusion for amounts received in tax years beginning after December 31, 1996, with respect to individuals dying after that date. As a result of the most recent Code update, Massachusetts adopts the federal exclusion as amended and in effect on January 1, 2005, that extends the exclusion for such annuities from, and including, individuals dying after December 31, 1996 to individuals dying on or before December 31, 1996.

Origin:  IRC S. 101(h)
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
1.037 Survivor Annuities of Fallen Astronauts
Massachusetts adopts the federal exclusion for death benefits paid by the U.S. government to the survivors of astronauts who die in the line of duty. The Massachusetts exclusion is effective for payments made on or after January 1, 2005.

Origin:  IRC S. 101(i)
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
1.039 Discharge of Indebtedness for Health Care Professionals
Massachusetts adopts the federal exclusion for National Health Service Corps Loan Program repayments made to health care professionals. Loan repayments received under similar state programs eligible for funds under the Public Health Service Act are also excluded from income.

Origin:  IRC S. 108(f)(4)
Estimate:  Negligible
 
Negligible
1.040 Archer Medical Savings Accounts
For federal income tax purposes, the earnings in an Archer Medical Savings Account (MSA) accrue on a tax-free basis, and qualified distributions from an Archer MSA are excluded from gross income. Prior to the 2005 Code update, Massachusetts taxed earnings in an Archer MSA for individuals who became active participants on or after January 1, 2001 and also taxed distributions for such individuals to the extent such amounts were not previously taxed by Massachusetts. As a result of the Code update, Massachusetts adopts the federal exclusion for earnings in, and qualified distributions from, an Archer MSA for all federally qualified individuals.

Origin:  IRC S. 220
Estimate:  included in 1.420
 
included in 1.420
1.041 Earnings of Pre-paid and Tuition Savings ("529" plans)
For both Massachusetts and federal tax purposes, an exclusion from income is allowed for the earnings of pre-paid tuition programs and tuition savings accounts. Massachusetts has available the U.Fund College Investing Plan, a direct-sold 529 college savings plan managed by Fidelity Investments using Fidelity mutual funds. The plans are opened for a student beneficiary, and contributions are accepted until all account balances in Massachusetts' 529 plans for the same beneficiary reach $375,000. Qualified distributions from Massachusetts are exempt from state taxation. Note that Massachusetts also has the "U.Plan Prepaid Tuition Program", offered by the Massachusetts Education Financing Authority (MEFA). The U.Plan is not a qualifying 529 plan but is nevertheless tax-free for federal and Massachusetts income tax purposes because participants are purchasing Massachusetts general obligation bonds (see Item 1.023). The bonds are redeemable to pay specified percentages of tuition and mandatory fees at 80 participating private and public Massachusetts colleges and universities.

Origin:  IRC S. 539 (f)
Estimate:  $7.3
 
7.3

 

Fiscal Year 2016 Resource Summary (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 FY2016
Deferrals of Gross Income 967.9 955.4 936.4 1,080.5 1,305.6

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item description amount
Deferrals of Gross Income 1,305.6
1.101 Net Exemption of Employer Contributions and Earnings of Private Pension Plans 2
Employer contributions to private, qualified employee pension plans are deductible by the employer up to certain amounts and are not included in the income of the employees. Income earned by the invested funds is not currently taxable to the employees. Benefits in excess of any employee contributions previously taxed by Massachusetts are taxable when paid out. The value of the tax deferral on contributions and on the investment income is a tax expenditure.

Origin:  IRC S. 401-415 in effect January 1, 1985 and M.G.L. c. 62 S. 2(a)(2)(F)
Estimate:  $975.8
 
975.8
1.102 Treatment of Incentive Stock Options
Massachusetts has adopted the federal rules for employee stock options. Generally, employers may offer employees options to purchase company stock at a later date at a price equal to the fair market value of the stock when the option was granted. At the time employees exercise the option, they do not include in income the difference between the fair market value and the price they pay. If they later sell the stock, they are taxed on the amount by which the price they receive for the stock exceeds the price they paid. Thus, income is deferred and is taxed as a capital gain instead of as compensation.

Origin:  IRC S. 421-425
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
1.103 Exemption of Earnings on Stock Bonus Plans or Profit Sharing Trusts
Investment income earned by stock bonus plans or profit sharing trusts is not taxed currently for employees.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 5(b)
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
1.104 Exemption of Earnings on IRA and Keogh Plans 2
This includes exclusions from income for some retirement contributions; these exclusions and the earnings from them are taxed upon distribution. The deferral of tax on the investment income is a tax expenditure.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 2(a)(2)(F)
Estimate:  $231.4
 
231.4
1.106 Non-taxation of Capital Gains at the Time of Gift
Ordinarily, capital gains are taxed at the time appreciated property is transferred. However, no tax is imposed on a capital gain when appreciated property is transferred by gift. The taxation of appreciation is deferred until the recipient transfers the property.

Comment: See also item 1.022 above.

Origin:  IRC S. 1001, 1015
Estimate:  $98.4
 
98.4

 

Fiscal Year 2016 Resource Summary (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 FY2016
Deductions from Gross Income 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

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item description amount
Deductions from Gross Income 0.1
1.201 Capital Gains Deduction
Long-term capital gains realized from the sale of collectibles (as defined by sec. 408 (m) of the IRC) are eligible for a 50% deduction from the 12% capital gains tax.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 2(c)(3)
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
1.202 Deduction of Capital Losses Against Interest and Dividend Income
Taxpayers may deduct up to $2,000 of net capital loss against interest and dividend income. This limit was reestablished in 2002.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 2(c)(2)
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
1.203 Excess Natural Resource Depletion Allowance
Individuals or investors in extractive industries (mining or drilling natural resources) may deduct a percentage of gross mining income as a depletion allowance. The allowance may exceed the actual cost of the resource property. For a more detailed description of this tax expenditure, see corporate excise item 2.204.

Origin:  IRC S. 613 and 613A as in effect January 1, 1985
Estimate:  Negligible
 
Negligible
1.204 Abandoned Building Renovation Deduction
Businesses renovating eligible buildings in Economic Opportunity Areas may deduct 10% of the cost of renovation from gross income. This deduction may be in addition to any other deduction for which the cost of renovation may qualify. To be eligible for this deduction, renovation costs must relate to buildings designated as abandoned by the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 3(B)(a)(10)
Estimate:  $0.1
 
0.1

 

Fiscal Year 2016 Resource Summary (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 FY2016
Accelerated Deductions from Gross Income 105.1 102.5 107.8 105.8 104.8

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item description amount
Accelerated Deductions from Gross Income 104.8
1.301 Modified Accelerated Depreciation on Rental Housing
Landlords and investors in rental housing may use accelerated methods of depreciation for new and used rental housing. Rental housing placed in service after 1988 is depreciated on a straight-line basis over a 27.5-year period. Rental housing placed in service before 1988 was depreciable over shorter periods (generally 19 or 20 years), and, instead of straight-line depreciation, the 175% declining balance method was permitted. Straight-line depreciation over the property's expected useful life is the generally accepted method for recovering the cost of building structures. The excess of allowable depreciation over such generally accepted depreciation is a tax expenditure, resulting in a deferral of tax or an interest-free loan.

Origin:  IRC S. 168(b)
Estimate:  $23.6
 
23.6
1.303 Modified Accelerated Depreciation on Buildings (other than Rental Housing)
Individuals or investors in a trade or business may use accelerated methods of depreciation for buildings. Construction may be depreciated under methods that produce faster depreciation than economic depreciation. The precise rates have been changed repeatedly in recent years as the result of revisions in the federal tax code. Structures (other than rental housing) placed in service after 1987 are depreciated on a straight-line basis over a 31.5-year life. The excess of accelerated depreciation over economic depreciation is a tax expenditure, resulting in a deferral of tax or an interest-free loan.

Origin:  IRC S. 167(j) and 168(b)
Estimate:  $7.2
 
7.2
1.304 Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) for Equipment
For depreciable tangible personal property placed in service after 1980, capital costs may be recovered using the Accelerated Cost Recovery System (ACRS), which applies accelerated methods of depreciation over set recovery periods. For property placed in service after 1987, Massachusetts has adopted the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), which generally uses double declining balance depreciation over specified periods that are substantially shorter than actual useful lives (200% declining balance for 3-, 5-, 7- and 10-year recovery property and 150% declining balance for 15- and 20-year property). The excess of accelerated depreciation over economic depreciation is a tax expenditure, resulting in a deferral of tax or an interest-free loan.

Origin:  IRC S. 168
Estimate:  $61.0
 
61.0
1.305 Deduction for Excess First-Year Depreciation
Taxpayers may elect to expense certain business assets purchased during the taxable year. American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (enacted January 1, 2013) increased the benefits, making changes to IRC sec. 179. For tax year 2012, Massachusetts adopts the increased federal amounts provided by IRC sec. 179. Hence, the total deduction cannot exceed $500,000; for taxpayers whose investment in eligible assets exceeds $2,000,000 in the year, the $500,000 ceiling is reduced by $1 for each dollar of investment above $2,000,000. Any remaining cost may be depreciated according to MACRS as described in item 2.305. The immediate deduction constitutes a tax expenditure, resulting in a deferral of tax or an interest-free loan.

Origin:  IRC S. 179
Estimate:  $10.6
 
10.6
1.306 Election to Deduct and Amortize Business Start-up Costs
Individuals or investors in a trade or business may elect to treat business start-up expenditures as deferred expenses and amortize them over a period of not less than 180 months, starting with the month in which the business begins. For a more detailed description of this tax expenditure, see corporate excise item 2.304.

Origin:  IRC S. 195
Estimate:  $0.6
 
0.6
1.308 Expensing Exploration and Development Costs
Individuals or investors in extractive industries (mining or drilling natural resources) may take an immediate deduction for certain exploration and development costs. For a more detailed description of this tax expenditure, see corporate excise item 2.309; the provisions for individual taxpayers are somewhat more liberal than those that apply to corporations.

Origin:  IRC S. 263(c), 616 and 617 in effect January 1, 1985
Estimate:  Negligible
 
Negligible
1.309 Expensing Research and Experimental Expenditures in One Year
Individuals or investors in a trade or business may take an immediate deduction for research and Experimental expenditures. For a more detailed description of this tax expenditure, see corporate excise item 2.308.

Origin:  IRC S. 174
Estimate:  $1.4
 
1.4
1.310 Five-Year Amortization of Pollution Control Facilities
Individuals or investors in a trade or business may elect to amortize the cost of a certified pollution control facility over a five-year period. For a more detailed description of this tax expenditure, see corporate excise item 2.311.

Origin:  IRC S. 169
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
1.311 Seven-Year Amortization for Reforestation
Individuals or investors in the forestry business may amortize the costs of reforestation over a seven-year period. For a more detailed description of this tax expenditure, see corporate excise item 2.313.

Origin:  IRC S. 194
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
1.312 Expensing Certain Capital Outlays of Farmers
Farmers may use certain favorable accounting rules. For instance, they may use the cash basis method of accounting and may deduct up to 50% of non-paid farming expenses as current expenses even though these expenditures are for inventories on hand at the end of the year. They also may deduct certain capital outlays, such as expenses for fertilizers and soil and water conservation if they are consistent with a federal- or state-approved plan. Generally, these special rules are not available to farming corporations and syndicates.

Origin:  IRC S. 175, 180 and 182 and Reg. S. 1.61-4, 1.162-12 and 1.471-6
Estimate:  $0.3
 
0.3

 

Fiscal Year 2016 Resource Summary (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 FY2016
Deductions from Adjusted Gross Income 810.1 840.0 855.8 870.1 886.6

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item description amount
Deductions from Adjusted Gross Income 886.6
1.401 Deduction for Employee Social Security and Railroad Retirement Payments
Taxes paid by employees to fund the Social Security and Railroad Retirement systems are deductible against "earned" income up to a maximum of $2,000 per individual.

Comment: The estimate also covers item 1.402 below.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 3B(a)(3)
Estimate:  $296.7
 
296.7
1.402 Deduction for Employee Contributions to Public Pension Plans 2
Employee contributions to federal and state contributory pension plans are deductible against "earned" income up to a maximum of $2,000 per individual.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 3B(a)(4)
Estimate:  included in 1.401
 
included in 1.401
1.403 Additional Exemption for the Elderly
A taxpayer age 65 or over is entitled to an additional exemption against "earned" income of $700 ($1,400 for a married couple filing jointly if both spouses are age 65 or over).

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 3B(b)(1)(C) and (2)(C)
Estimate:  $29.4
 
29.4
1.404 Additional Exemption for the Blind
A blind taxpayer is allowed an additional exemption against "earned" income of $2,200 ($4,400 for a married couple filing jointly if both spouses are blind).

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 3B(b)(1)(B) and (2)(B)
Estimate:  $1.2
 
1.2
1.405 Dependents Exemption Where the Child Earns Income 3
Taxpayers are allowed an additional exemption of $1,000 for a dependent child even when the child earns income against which a personal exemption can be taken.

Comment: The estimate cannot be separated from the figure for the dependents exemption in endnote 3.

Origin:  IRC S. 151(c) in effect January 1, 1988 and M.G.L. c. 62 S. 3B(b)(3)
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
1.406 Deduction for Dependents Under 12
Individual taxpayers and married taxpayers filing jointly with one or more dependents under age 12, who do not claim the deduction for child care described in item 1.409 below, may claim this deduction. Filers with one dependent under 12 may deduct $3,600, while filers with two or more dependents under 12 may deduct $7,200.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 3B(a)(8)
Estimate:  $130.0
 
130.0
1.407 Personal Exemption for Students Age 19 or Over
A taxpayer may claim a dependent exemption of $1,000 for a child who is a full-time student even if he or she is 19 or over.

Origin:  IRC S. 151(c) in effect January 1, 1988 and M.G.L. c. 62 S. 3B(b)(3)
Estimate:  $8.7
 
8.7
1.408 Deduction for Adoption Fees
Adoption fees paid to a registered adoption agency are deductible against Part B income.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 3B(b)(5)
Estimate:  $0.4
 
0.4
1.409 Deduction for Business-Related Child Care Expenses
Taxpayers qualifying for the credit for employment-related childcare expenses in the Internal Revenue Code are allowed a deduction against "earned" income for the amount of the expenses that qualify for the credit. Beginning in tax year 2001, the cap on this deduction was increased, and the coverage expanded to include elderly and disabled dependents. The cap increased from $2,400 to $3,600 for filers with one dependent, and from $2,400 to $4,800 for filers with two or more dependents. Beginning in tax year 2002, the cap was further increased to $4,800 for qualifying filers with one dependent and to $9,600 for filers with two or more dependents.

Comment: For federal tax purposes, the requirement that employment-related child care expenses relate only to children under age 15 was further restricted to children under age 13. In addition, a federal change now requires a taxpayer to include employer-provided dependent care expenses when calculating the limitation amount of qualifying expenses.

Origin:  IRC S. 21, and M.G.L. c. 62, S. 3B(a)(7)
Estimate:  $18.3
 
18.3
1.410 Exemption of Medical Expenses
Medical and dental expenses in excess of 7.5% of federal adjusted gross income are deductible against "earned" income for taxpayers who itemize deductions on their federal returns.

Origin:  IRC S. 213 and M.G.L. c. 62, S. 3B(b)(4)
Estimate:  $111.9
 
111.9
1.411 Rent Deduction
Renters are able to deduct against Part B income one-half of the rent paid for a principal residence located in Massachusetts up to a maximum deduction of $3,000 per year. This maximum was last raised in tax year 2001.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 3B(a)(9)
Estimate:  $128.8
 
128.8
1.412 Nontaxation of Charitable Purpose Income of Trustees, Executors or Administrators
The adjusted gross income of trustees, executors or administrators, which is currently payable to or irrevocably set aside for public charitable purposes is tax-exempt.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 3A(a)(2) and B(a)(2)
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
1.413 Exemption of Interest on Savings in Massachusetts Banks
Up to $100 ($200 on a joint return) of interest from savings deposits or savings accounts in Massachusetts banks is excluded from "earned" income.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 3B(a)(6)
Estimate:  $3.7
 
3.7
1.414 Tuition Deduction (Over 25% of Income)
A deduction is allowed for tuition payments paid, on behalf of a filer or their dependent, to a two-or four-year college leading to a degree or certificate. The deduction is equal to the amount by which the net tuition payments exceed 25% of the filer's Massachusetts AGI. See TIR 97-13 for more information.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 3B(a)(11),(12)
Estimate:  $54.2
 
54.2
1.415 Charitable Contributions Tax Deduction
For tax year 2001, a deduction was allowed for charitable contributions in determining Part B taxable income. The deduction amount was equal to the taxpayer's charitable contributions for the year, as defined under the Federal Internal Revenue Code and without regard to whether the taxpayer elected to itemize deductions on his or her federal income tax return. Chapter 186 of the Acts of 2002 suspended this deduction, so no tax expenditure is recorded for the current fiscal year.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S.3B (a)(13)
Estimate:  Not Active
 
Not Active
1.418 Deduction for Costs Involved in Unlawful Discrimination Suits
Massachusetts adopts the federal deduction for attorney fees and court costs paid to recover a judgment or settlement for a claim of unlawful discrimination, up to the amount included in gross income for the tax year from such claim.

Origin:  IRC S. 62(a)(19) and 62(e)
Estimate:  N.A.
 
N.A.
1.419 Business Expenses of National Guard and Reserve Members
Massachusetts adopts the deduction for unreimbursed overnight travel, meals and lodging expenses of National Guard and Reserve Members who must travel more than 100 miles from home to perform services as a National Guard or reserve member.

Origin:  IRC S. 62(a)(2)(E) and 162(p)
Estimate:  Negligible
 
Negligible
1.420 Archer Medical Savings Accounts
Under the January 1, 1998 Code, Massachusetts allowed a deduction for an Archer Medical Savings Account (MSA) contribution only for individuals who were active MSA participants before January 1, 2001. As a result of recently enacted legislation that aligned the Massachusetts tax code with the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2005, Massachusetts adopts the federal deduction for Archer MSA contributions made on or after January 1, 2005 for all federally qualified individuals.

Origin:  IRC S. 220
Estimate:  Negligible
 
Negligible
1.421 Deduction for Clean-Fuel Vehicles and Certain Refueling Property
A federal and Massachusetts deduction is allowed for a portion of the cost of qualifying motor vehicles that use clean-burning fuel. Under the January 1, 1998 Code, this deduction was due to expire for vehicles placed in service after December 31, 2004. As a result of recently enacted legislation that aligned the Massachusetts tax code with the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2005, Massachusetts adopted the new federal provision allowing the deduction for vehicles placed in service on or before December 31, 2006.

Origin:  IRC S. 62(a)(14) and 179A
Estimate:  Negligible
 
Negligible
1.422 Health Savings Accounts
Massachusetts adopted the federal deduction allowed to individuals for contributions to a Health Savings Account, subject to federal limitations, which are adjusted annually for inflation. For calendar year 2013, the maximum deduction limit is $3,250 for an individual plan and $6,450 for a family plan. Filers age 55 or older may increase the maximum deduction by $1,000.

Origin:  IRC S. 62(a)(19) and 223
Estimate:  $8.1
 
8.1
1.423 Commuter Deduction
(Note: item 1.423 was formerly the temporary Tuition and Fees Deduction)

For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2006, individuals may deduct certain commuting costs paid in excess of $150 for:

  • Tolls paid through the Massachusetts FastLane account; and

  • The cost of weekly or monthly passes for MBTA transit, bus, commuter rail, or commuter boat.

The total amount deducted may not exceed $750 per individual. Amounts paid must be reduced by any amounts reimbursed or otherwise deductible.

Origin:  M.G.L. Chapter 62, Sec. 3 (B) (a) (15)
Estimate:  $8.5
 
8.5
1.424 Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction
Massachusetts adopts the federal deduction allowed to self-employed individuals for premiums on health insurance. Insurance may be for the individual, spouse, or family member. The insurance must be established under the self-employed individual's business.

Origin:  IRC S. 162(I)
Estimate:  $48.0
 
48.0
1.425 Student Loan Interest Deduction (allowed Federally or by Massachusetts)
Massachusetts allows as an option the federal "interest on education loans" deduction. The federal deduction phases out based on modified AGI. As a result of the 2005 Code update, Massachusetts adopted the federal provision that temporarily repealed the 60 month limitation raised taxpayer income limitations through the end of 2010. Note that while the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA) and Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (JEGTRRA) have been temporarily extended at the federal level, these increases still sunset in Massachusetts at the end of 2010.

Alternatively, Massachusetts allows a deduction of undergraduate student loan interest. Filers may only choose one of these deductions.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 2(d)(1) and I.R.C. S. 62(a)(17), 221.
Estimate:  $38.7
 
38.7
1.426 Expenses of Human Organ Transplant
Massachusetts allows the expenses incurred in the donation of a human organ to be deducted from taxable income.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 3 (a) (16)
Estimate:  $0.1
 
0.1

 

Fiscal Year 2016 Resource Summary (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 FY2016
Preferential Rate of Taxation 0.0 0.1 0.7 2.3 2.3

Hide tax item language

item description amount
Preferential Rate of Taxation 2.3
1.501 Small Business Stock, Capital Gains Tax Rate
Gains derived from the sale of investments which meet certain requirements are taxed at a rate of 3% instead of regular Part B rate. In order to qualify for the 3% rate, investments must have been made within five years of the corporation's date of incorporation and must be in stock that generally satisfies the definition of "qualified small business stock" under I.R.C. S. 1202 (c), other than the requirement that the stock be stock of a C corporation. In addition, the stock must be held for three years or more and the investments must be in a corporation which (a) is domiciled in Massachusetts, (b) is incorporated on or after January 1, 2011, (c) has less than $50 million in assets at the time of investment, and (d) complies with certain of the "active business" requirements of I.R.C. S. 1202 of the Internal Revenue.

Origin:  An Act Relative to Economic Development Reorganization (St. 2010, c. 240), Section 111
Estimate:  $2.3
 
2.3

 

Fiscal Year 2016 Resource Summary (in Millions)
TAX EXPENDITURE FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 FY2016
Credits Against Tax 217.9 229.6 249.0 255.8 263.7

Hide tax item language

item description amount
Credits Against Tax 263.7
1.601 Renewable Energy Source Credit
Owners and tenants of residential property located within Massachusetts who are not dependents and who occupy the property as a principal residence are allowed a credit up to $1,000, or an amount equal to 15% of the cost of a renewable energy source. Unused credits may be carried forward for three years. Credit is neither transferable nor refundable.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6(d)
Estimate:  $1.7
 
1.7
1.602 Credit for Removal of Lead Paint
A tax credit is provided in the amount of the cost of removing or covering lead paint on each residential unit up to $1,500. A seven-year carryover of any unused credit is permitted. Credit is neither transferable nor refundable.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6(e)
Estimate:  $2.9
 
2.9
1.603 EDIP/Economic Development Incentive Program Credit
Under the provisions of the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) established pursuant to M.G.L. Ch. 23A, the Economic Assistance Coordination Council (EACC) may authorize taxpayers participating in certified projects to claim tax credits. Businesses investing in qualified property in an Economic Opportunity Area are entitled to a tax credit against the cost of the property. The EDIP credit provisions have been expanded to include "certified job creation projects" To qualify for the credit, the property must be used exclusively in a certified project in an Economic Opportunity Area. To be certified, the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council must approve a project, subject to a cap; see item # 2.605 for more details. Credit is not transferable, but is refundable for specified project types.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6(g)
Estimate:  $3.7
 
3.7
1.604 Credit for Employing Former Full-Employment Program Participants
Employers who continue to employ former participants of the S.110(1) full employment program in non-subsidized positions are eligible to receive a tax credit equal to $100 per month for each month of non-subsidized employment, up to a maximum of $1,200 per employee, per year.

Origin:  St. 1995, c. 5, S. 110(m)
Estimate:  Not Active
 
Not Active
1.605 Earned Income Credit
Effective January 1, 1997, taxpayers were allowed a refundable credit against Massachusetts tax equal to 10% of the amount of the earned income credit claimed on their federal individual income tax returns. Effective January 1, 2001, the allowed percentage was increased to 15%. Note that, since the state credit amount is based on the federal, and changes, temporary or permanent, to the calculation of the federal credit will be automatically reflected in credit claims made against state tax. Note that while credit is refundable, it is not transferable.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6(h)
Estimate:  $136.3
 
136.3
1.606 Septic System Repair Credit
Taxpayers required to repair or replace a failed cesspool or septic system pursuant to the provisions of Title V, as promulgated by the Department of Environmental Protection in 1995, are allowed a credit equal to 40% of the design and construction costs incurred (less any subsidy or grant from the Commonwealth), up to a maximum of $1,500 per tax year and $6,000 in total. Unused credits may be carried forward for up to three years. Credit is neither transferable nor refundable.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6(i)
Estimate:  $9.5
 
9.5
1.607 Low Income Housing Credit
The Low-Income Housing Credit is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for the purpose of promoting the construction or development of low income housing. The LIHC is not subject to the 50% limitation rule for corporate taxpayers. If the taxpayer disposes of the property generating the LIHC, a portion of the credit may be subject to recapture.

Under prior law, the Massachusetts low-income housing tax credits were available only to taxpayers who had been allocated federal low-income housing tax credits. Effective August 1, 2010, the Act allows the Department of Housing and Community Development to grant state low-income housing credits (within the annual cap) to otherwise eligible projects that do not receive a federal low-income housing credit. Note that the annual cap will temporarily increase from $50 million per year to $100 million per year for tax years 2013 and 2014.
The credits may be carried forward for up to 5 years; they may be transferred or sold to another taxpayer, but are not refundable. See also Corporate item 2.609.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6I a
Estimate:  $1.0
 
1.0
1.608 Brownfields Credit
Taxpayers are allowed to take a credit for amounts expended to rehabilitate contaminated property owned or leased for business purposes and located within an economically distressed area. The eligibility period for the Brownfields Credit has been lengthened.
Recent legislation extended the Brownfields credit to nonprofit organizations, extended the deadline for incurring eligible costs, and permitted the credit to be transferred, sold, or assigned. As a result of the recent legislation, the environmental response action commencement cut-off date has been extended to August 5, 2018, and the time for incurring eligible costs that qualify for the credit to January 1, 2019. See TIR 13-15 for more information.

The amount of the credit varies according to the extent of the environmental remedy. If the taxpayer's permanent solution or remedy operation status includes an activity and use limitation, then the amount of the credit is 25% of the net response and removal costs incurred by the taxpayer. However, if there is no activity and use limitation, then the amount of the credit is 50% of the net response and removal costs. Note that although recent legislation made these credits transferable to another taxpayer, they are not refundable. The credit may be carried forward for up to 5 years.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S.6 (j)
Estimate:  $4.8
 
4.8
1.609 Refundable State Tax Credit Against Property Taxes for Seniors ("Circuit Breaker")
Seniors are eligible for a tax credit to the extent that their property taxes - or 25% of rent - exceed 10% of their income. Income limits and a cap on the maximum assessed value of the filer's primary residence apply. The maximum credit is also adjusted annually for inflation. The maximum base credit was $385 for tax year (TY) 2001, $790 for TY02, $810 for TY03, $820 for TY04, $840 for TY05, $870 for TY06, $900 for TY07, $930 for TY08, $960 for TY09, $970 for TY10, $980 for TY11, $1,000 for TY12 $1,030 for TY13, $1,050 for TY14, and $1,070 for TY15.

Income limits and the maximum credit are adjusted for inflation over a 1999 base year; the assessed home valuation base year is 2004. See "Appendix A" for current year values. The credits may not be sold or transferred to another taxpayer, but are refundable.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6 (k)
Estimate:  $77.6
 
77.6
1.610 Historic Buildings Rehabilitation Credit
To claim this credit, a historic rehabilitation project must be complete and have been certified by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, which determines the amount of qualifying expenditures. Filers may claim up to 20% of their qualified rehabilitation expenditures.

The expenditure for this item (combined with the Historic Rehabilitation Credit for corporate income tax filers, item 2.610) was originally capped at $15 million per year, with a start date for the credit of January 1, 2005 and an end date of December 31, 2009. Chapter 123 of the Acts of 2006 extended the availability of the credit for an additional 2 years, to December 31, 2011. Again, Chapter 131 of the Acts of 2010 extended the availability of the credit for an additional 6 years to December 31, 2017, with an annual cap of $50 million. Chapter 165 of the Acts of 2014, further extends this credit, including the $50 million annual limit, for an additional five years to December 31, 2022.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6J
Estimate:  $7.5
 
7.5
1.611 Film (or Motion Picture) Credit
See also Corporate item 2.614. Individual income tax filers engaged in the making of a motion picture are allowed two credits:

a) Payroll credit: This is a credit for the employment of persons within the Commonwealth in connection with the filming or production of 1 or more motion pictures in the Commonwealth within any consecutive 12 month period. The credit is equal to 25 percent of the total aggregate payroll paid by a motion picture production company that constitutes Massachusetts source income, when total production costs incurred in the Commonwealth equal or exceed $50,000 during the taxable year. The term "total aggregate payroll" may not include the salary of any employee whose salary is equal to or greater than $1,000,000.

b) Non-payroll production expense credit: Individual income tax filers are also allowed a credit equal to 25 percent of all motion picture related Massachusetts production expenses, not including the payroll expenses used to claim the aforementioned payroll credit. To be eligible for this credit, either Massachusetts motion picture production expenses must exceed 50 percent of the total production expenses for a motion picture or at least 50 percent of the total principal photography days of the film take place in the Commonwealth.

These tax credits are refundable at 90% of the approved credit amounts, or the amount of the tax credit that exceeds the tax due for a taxable year may be carried forward by the taxpayer to any of the 5 subsequent taxable years. Additionally, all or any portion of tax credits issued may be transferred, sold or assigned to other taxpayers with tax liabilities under chapter 62 (the individual income tax) or chapter 63 (the corporate or other business excise taxes). For applications submitted prior to January 1, 2007, film tax credits were capped at $7,000,000 for any one motion picture production has; for applications submitted on or after January 1, 2007, there is no cap. Also, the sunset date for the film incentives statute has been extended from January 1, 2013 to January 1, 2023. See TIR 07-15 for more information.

Note that these credits are transferable, or refundable at 90% of face value.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6 (l);
Estimate:  $2.1
 
2.1
1.613 Medical Device User Fee Credit
Medical device companies that develop or manufacture medical devices in Massachusetts can claim a credit equal to 100% of the user fees paid by them when submitting certain medical device applications and supplements to the United States Food and Drug Administration. The credit is also transferable. For the personal income tax, the credit applies to any qualifying entity organized as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporate trust or other business where the income is taxed directly. Note that although these credits are transferable to another taxpayer, they are not refundable.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6 1/2, Ch. 145 of the Acts of 2006.
Estimate:  Negligible
 
Negligible
1.614 Dairy Farmers Credit
A taxpayer who holds a certificate of registration as a dairy farmer pursuant to section 16A of chapter 94 may be allowed a refundable income tax credit based on the amount of milk produced and sold. The total cumulative value of the credits authorized pursuant to this section combined with section 38Z of chapter 63 shall not exceed $4,000,000 annually. See corporate item 2.618 for more details. These credits may not be sold or transferred to another taxpayer, but are refundable at 100% of face value.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6 (o)
Estimate:  $3.3
 
3.3
1.615 Conservation Land Credit
Filers who donate land for conservation in perpetuity for the use of all citizens of the Commonwealth can receive a credit of up to $50,000. Approval of the donation is required from the Secretary of the Office of Energy & Environment Affairs.

The credits may not be sold or transferred to another taxpayer, but are refundable. The total credits that may be approved are capped at $2.0 million annually.

Origin:  M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6 (p), Ch. 509 Acts of 2008 S. 1-4.
Estimate:  $2.0
 
2.0
1.616 Employer Wellness Program Tax Credit
The 2012 Health Care Act establishes an Employer Wellness Program Tax Credit that is effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and is set to expire on December 31, 2017. The Employer Wellness Program Tax Credit was created to provide incentives for business to recognize the benefits of wellness programs with the goal of providing smaller businesses with an expanded opportunity to implement these programs. The credit is available to both chapter 62 and chapter 63 taxpayers (personal income taxpayers and corporate & business excise taxpayers).
The Department of Public Health will administer the credit program by: 1) determining standards for an Employer Wellness Program that will qualify for the credit; 2) approving a dollar amount of credit for a qualifying taxpayer and issue a certificate to be filed with the appropriate tax return; 3) by developing regulations and procedures with the Department of Revenue to implement the credit program. A business will apply to the Department of Public Health describing the proposed wellness program to be implemented by the business and providing an estimated budget and applicable taxpayer identification number.
The credit is set at 25 percent of the costs associated with implementing a "certified wellness program." The maximum amount of Employer Wellness Program Credits available to a taxpayer is $10,000 in any tax year. The total amount of Employer Wellness Program Credits authorized by the Department of Public Health is subject to a $15,000,000 annual cap starting calendar year 2013. The Employer Wellness Program Tax Credit is non-refundable and non-transferrable. However, the portion of the Employer Wellness Program Tax Credit that exceeds the tax for the taxable year may be carried forward and applied against such taxpayer's tax liability in any of the succeeding 5 taxable years.

Origin:  St. 2012, c. 224, S. 41, 41A, 56, 56A, 238, 239, 297, and 298. M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6N; M.G.L. c. 63, S. 38FF.
Estimate:  $7.5
 
7.5
1.617 Community Investment Tax Credit
The 2012 Jobs Act provides a Community Investment Tax Credit that is effective January 1, 2014 and is set to expire on December 31, 2019. It was created to enable local residents and stakeholders to work with and through community development corporations to partner with nonprofit, public and private entities to improve economic opportunities for low and moderate income households and other residents in urban, rural and suburban communities across the commonwealth. The credit is available to both chapter 62 and chapter 63 taxpayers (personal income taxpayers and corporate & business excise taxpayers).
The Department of Housing and Community Development will administer the credit program by: 1) issuing a certification to a taxpayer after the taxpayer makes a qualified investment; 2) authorizing a dollar amount of credit for a qualified investment; 3) developing regulations and procedures with the Department of Revenue to implement the Community Investment Credit.
The certification will be acceptable as proof that the expenditures related to such investment constitute qualified investments for purposes of the community investment credit. The Community Investment Credit is set at 50 percent of the total qualified investments made by a taxpayer in a "community partner," i.e., a "community development corporation" or a "community support organization," selected by the Department of Housing and Community Development through a competitive process. A qualified investment must be in the form of a cash contribution of at least $1,000. A taxpayer may invest in more than one community partner, but may not claim more than $1,000,000 of credits in any single taxable year. A taxpayer must claim the credit in the taxable year in which a qualified investment is made. The total amount of Community Investment Credits is subject to a $3,000,000 cap in 2014, and an annual cap of $6,000,000 in 2015 to 2019, inclusive. This credit is non-refundable, but it is transferrable and it could be carried over up to five years.

Origin:  St. 2012, c. 238, S. 29, 30, 35, 36; M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6M; M.G.L. c. 63, S. 38EE
Estimate:  $3.0
 
3.0
1.618 Farming and Fisheries Income Tax Credit
Personal income taxpayers who are primarily engaged in agriculture, farming or commercial fishing qualify for an investment credit, similar to that available to manufacturing, R&D corporations and corporations primarily engaged in agriculture or commercial fishing. The amount of the credit is 3% of the cost or other basis for federal income tax purposes of qualifying property acquired, constructed or erected during the tax year. Qualifying property is defined as tangible personal property and other tangible property including buildings and structural components thereof which are located in MA, used solely in farming, agriculture or fishing, and are depreciable with a useful life of at least 4 years. The same credit is allowed to lessees, calculated as follows: 3% of a lessor's adjusted basis in qualifying property for federal income tax purposes at the beginning of the lease term, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days of the tax year during which the lessee leases the qualifying property and the denominator of which is the number of days in the useful life of the property. Where the lessee is eligible for the credit, the lessor is generally not eligible, with the exception of "equine-based businesses where care and boarding of horses is a function of the agricultural activity". There is also a recapture provision, i.e., if the property on which a credit is taken is disposed of or ceases to be in qualified use prior to the end of its useful life, the difference between the credit taken and allowed for actual use must be added back as additional taxes due in the year of disposition, unless the property has been in qualified use for more than 12 years. This credit is effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2015.

Origin:  Section 50 of St. 2014, c. 287, establishing M.G.L. c. 62, S. 6 (s).
Estimate:  $0.9
 
0.9

Key:

ORIGIN  
IRCFederal Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C.)
U.S.C United States Code
M.G.L. Massachusetts General Laws
Rev. Rul.; C.B. Revenue Ruling; Cumulative Bulletin of the U.S. Treasury
ESTIMATES All estimates are in $ millions.


Footnote(s):

1 1 This item and others citing this endnote cover employee fringe benefits. We accept as standard the following treatment of these benefits: the expense incurred by the employer in providing the benefit is properly deductible as a business expense and the benefit is taxed as compensation to the employee as if the employee had received taxable compensation and then used it to purchase the benefit. Of course, there are problems with this analysis. In some cases, the "benefit" is more a condition of employment than a true benefit. For example, a teacher required to have lunch in the school cafeteria may prefer to eat elsewhere even if the school lunch is free. On the other hand, in many cases the provision of tax-free employee benefits is clearly a substitution for taxable compensation.

2 2 This item and others citing this endnote cover contributory pension plans. The standard tax treatment of these plans is as follows: Component Standard Treatment Contributions: Made out of income that is currently taxed to employees. Investment Income: Taxed to the employee as "earned" income. Distributions from Pension Funds: Tax-free to the extent they are made out of dollars previously taxed to the employees as contributions or investment income. The non-standard treatment of contributions, investment income, or distributions as described in items 1.006, 1.101, 1.104, and 1.402, results in either nontaxation or deferrals of tax.

3 3 FY16 estimates for the basic personal exemptions and the no-tax status discussed in the introduction to the personal income tax are (in millions of dollars): Personal exemption for single taxpayers: $321 Personal exemption for married couples: $562 Personal exemption for married taxpayers filing separately: $15 Dependents exemption: $89 Personal exemption for heads of households: $103 Limited income credits: $12 No tax status: $15


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