STATEHOUSE (Jan. 24, 2022) – Indiana House Republicans recently advanced a responsible and sweeping tax cut package that could put over $1.3 billion back in Hoosiers' pockets, according to Bartholomew County lawmakers.
The state's budget reserves are expected to hit a record $5 billion at the end of fiscal year 2022. State Rep. Sean Eberhart (R-Shelbyville) said if House Bill 1002 becomes law, it would be the largest tax cut in state history.
"Years of sound fiscal stewardship could pay off for Hoosiers once again," Eberhart said. "With the strength of our reserves, the right thing to do is put dollars back into the pockets of hardworking taxpayers and businesses."
State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) 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.
"Our economy continues to outperform expectations, which allows us to pay down debt and maintain strong reserves," Lauer said. "Good government means looking out for taxpayers, and these tax cuts are focused on keeping our commitment to them and fiscal responsibility."
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.
"As the federal government continues to drive our national debt through the roof, Hoosier taxpayers reap the benefits of a state that takes care of its priorities and is fiscally responsible," said State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour). "Hoosiers deserve to keep more of their hard-earned money, and this would be a great step in the right direction."
Lucas 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.
Lucas 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.
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State Rep. Sean Eberhart (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 57,
which includes Shelby County and portions of Bartholomew and Hancock counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) represents House District 59,
which includes portions of Bartholomew County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings and Jefferson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
