2014 -- H 7658

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LC004338

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO TAXATION -- ESTATE TAX

     

     Introduced By: Representative J. PatrickO`Neill

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2014

     Referred To: House Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

1

     SECTION 1. Section 44-22-1.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-22 entitled "Estate

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and Transfer Taxes - Liability and Computation" is hereby amended to read as follows:

3

     44-22-1.1. Tax on net estate of decedent . -- (a) (1) For decedents whose death occurs

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on or after January 1, 1992, but prior to January 1, 2002, a tax is imposed upon the transfer of the

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net estate of every resident or nonresident decedent as a tax upon the right to transfer. The tax is a

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sum equal to the maximum credit for state death taxes allowed by 26 U.S.C. section 2011.

7

      (2) For decedents whose death occurs on or after January 1, 2002, but prior to January 1,

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2010 a tax is imposed upon the transfer of the net estate of every resident or nonresident decedent

9

as a tax upon the right to transfer. The tax is a sum equal to the maximum credit for state death

10

taxes allowed by 26 U.S.C. section 2011 as it was in effect as of January 1, 2001; provided,

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however, that the tax shall be imposed only if the net taxable estate shall exceed six hundred

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seventy-five thousand dollars ($675,000). Any scheduled increase in the unified credit provided

13

in 26 U.S.C. section 2010 in effect on January 1, 2001, or thereafter, shall not apply.

14

      (3) For decedents whose death occurs on or after January 1, 2010, but prior to January 1,

15

2015, a tax is imposed upon the transfer of the net estate of every resident or nonresident

16

decedent as a tax upon the right to transfer. The tax is a sum equal to the maximum credit for

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state death taxes allowed by 26 U.S.C. section 2011 as it was in effect as of January 1, 2001;

18

provided, however, that the tax shall be imposed only if the net taxable estate shall exceed eight

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hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($850,000); provided, further, beginning on January 1, 2011

 

1

and each January 1 thereafter, said amount shall be adjusted by the percentage of increase in the

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Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) as published by the United States

3

Department of Labor Statistics determined as of September 30 of the prior calendar year; said

4

adjustment shall be compounded annually and shall be rounded up to the nearest five dollar

5

($5.00) increment. Any scheduled increase in the unified credit provided in 26 U.S.C. section

6

2010 in effect on January 1, 2003, or thereafter, shall not apply.

7

     (4) For decedents whose death occurs after January 1, 2015, a tax is imposed upon the

8

transfer of the net estate of every resident or nonresident decedent as a tax upon the right to

9

transfer. The tax is a sum equal to the maximum credit for state death taxes allowed by 26 U.S.C.

10

2011 as it was in effect as of January 1, 2001; provided, however, that the tax shall be imposed

11

only if the net taxable estate shall exceed two million dollars ($2,000,000); provided, further,

12

beginning on January 1, 2016 and each January 1, thereafter, said amount shall be adjusted by the

13

percentage of increase in the consumer price index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) as published

14

by the United States department of labor statistics determined as of September 30 of the prior

15

calendar year; said adjustment shall be compounded annually and shall be rounded up to the

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nearest five dollar ($5.00) increment. Provided, further, the tax shall be calculated and imposed

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only on the amount of the net taxable estate that exceeds two million dollars ($2,000,000). Any

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scheduled increase in the unified credit provided in 26 U.S.C. 2010 in effect on January 1, 2003,

19

or thereafter, shall not apply.

20

     (b) If the decedent's estate contains property having a tax situs not within the state, then

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the tax determined by this section is reduced to an amount determined by multiplying the tax by a

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fraction whose numerator is the gross estate excluding all property having a tax situs not within

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the state at the decedent's death and whose denominator is the gross estate. In determining the

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fraction, no deductions are considered and the gross estate is not reduced by a mortgage or other

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indebtedness for which the decedent's estate is not liable.

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      (c) (1) The terms "gross taxable estate", "federal gross estate" or "net taxable estate" used

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in this chapter or chapter 23 of this title has the same meaning as when used in a comparable

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context in the laws of the United States, unless a different meaning is clearly required by the

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provisions of this chapter or chapter 23 of this title. Any reference in this chapter or chapter 23 of

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this title to the Internal Revenue Code or other laws of the United States means the Internal

31

Revenue Code of 1954, 26 U.S.C. section 1 et seq.

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      (2) For decedents whose death occurs on or after January 1, 2002, the terms "gross

33

taxable estate" "federal gross estate" or "net taxable estate" used in this chapter or chapter 23 of

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this title has the same meaning as when used in a comparable context in the laws of the United

 

LC004338 - Page 2 of 17

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States, unless a different meaning is clearly required by the provisions of this chapter or chapter

2

23 of this title. Any reference in this chapter or chapter 23 of this title to the Internal Revenue

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Code or other laws of the United States means the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, 26 U.S.C.

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section 1 et seq., as they were in effect as of January 1, 2001., unless otherwise provided.

5

      (d) All values are as finally determined for federal estate tax purposes.

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      (e) Property has a tax situs within the state of Rhode Island:

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      (1) If it is real estate or tangible personal property and has actual situs within the state of

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Rhode Island; or

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      (2) If it is intangible personal property and the decedent was a resident.

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     SECTION 2. Section 44-30-2.6 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-30 entitled "Personal

11

Income Tax" is hereby amended to read as follows:

12

     44-30-2.6. Rhode Island taxable income -- Rate of tax. -- (a) "Rhode Island taxable

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income" means federal taxable income as determined under the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C.

14

section 1 et seq., not including the increase in the basic standard deduction amount for married

15

couples filing joint returns as provided in the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of

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2003 and the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA), and as

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modified by the modifications in section 44-30-12.

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     (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 44-30-1 and 44-30-2, for tax years

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beginning on or after January 1, 2001, a Rhode Island personal income tax is imposed upon the

20

Rhode Island taxable income of residents and nonresidents, including estates and trusts, at the rate

21

of twenty-five and one-half percent (25.5%) for tax year 2001, and twenty-five percent (25%) for

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tax year 2002 and thereafter of the federal income tax rates, including capital gains rates and any

23

other special rates for other types of income, except as provided in section 44-30-2.7, which were

24

in effect immediately prior to enactment of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation

25

Act of 2001 (EGTRRA); provided, rate schedules shall be adjusted for inflation by the tax

26

administrator beginning in taxable year 2002 and thereafter in the manner prescribed for

27

adjustment by the commissioner of Internal Revenue in 26 U.S.C. section 1(f). However, for tax

28

years beginning on or after January 1, 2006, a taxpayer may elect to use the alternative flat tax

29

rate provided in section 44-30-2.10 to calculate his or her personal income tax liability.

30

     (c) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2001, if a taxpayer has an alternative

31

minimum tax for federal tax purposes, the taxpayer shall determine if he or she has a Rhode

32

Island alternative minimum tax. The Rhode Island alternative minimum tax shall be computed by

33

multiplying the federal tentative minimum tax without allowing for the increased exemptions

34

under the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (as redetermined on federal

 

LC004338 - Page 3 of 17

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form 6251 Alternative Minimum Tax-Individuals) by twenty-five and one-half percent (25.5%)

2

for tax year 2001, and twenty-five percent (25%) for tax year 2002 and thereafter, and comparing

3

the product to the Rhode Island tax as computed otherwise under this section. The excess shall be

4

the taxpayer's Rhode Island alternative minimum tax.

5

     (1) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2005 and thereafter the exemption

6

amount for alternative minimum tax, for Rhode Island purposes, shall be adjusted for inflation by

7

the tax administrator in the manner prescribed for adjustment by the commissioner of Internal

8

Revenue in 26 U.S.C. section 1(f).

9

     (2) For the period January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007, and thereafter, Rhode

10

Island taxable income shall be determined by deducting from federal adjusted gross income as

11

defined in 26 U.S.C. section 62 as modified by the modifications in section 44-30-12 the Rhode

12

Island itemized deduction amount and the Rhode Island exemption amount as determined in this

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section.

14

     (A) Tax imposed.

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     (1) There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of married individuals filing joint

16

returns and surviving spouses a tax determined in accordance with the following table:

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If taxable income is: The tax is:

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Not over $53,150 3.75% of taxable income

19

Over $53,150 but not over $128,500 $1,993.13 plus 7.00% of the excess over $53,150

20

Over $128,500 but not over $195,850 $7,267.63 plus 7.75% of the excess over $128,500

21

Over $195,850 but not over $349,700 $12,487.25 plus 9.00% of the excess over $195,850

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Over $349,700 $26,333.75 plus 9.90% of the excess over $349,700

23

     (2) There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of every head of household a tax

24

determined in accordance with the following table:

25

If taxable income is: The tax is:

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Not over $42,650 3.75% of taxable income

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Over $42,650 but not over $110,100 $1,599.38 plus 7.00% of the excess over $42,650

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Over $110,100 but not over $178,350 $6,320.88 plus 7.75% of the excess over $110,100

29

Over $178,350 but not over $349,700 $11,610.25 plus 9.00% of the excess over $178,350

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Over $349,700 $27,031.75 plus 9.90% of the excess over $349,700

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     (3) There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of unmarried individuals (other than

32

surviving spouses and heads of households) a tax determined in accordance with the following

33

table:

34

If taxable income is: The tax is:

 

LC004338 - Page 4 of 17

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Not over $31,850 3.75% of taxable income

2

Over $31,850 but not over $77,100 $1,194.38 plus 7.00% of the excess over $31,850

3

Over $77,100 but not over $160,850 $4,361.88 plus 7.75% of the excess over $77,100

4

Over $160,850 but not over $349,700 $10,852.50 plus 9.00% of the excess over $160,850

5

Over $349,700 $27,849.00 plus 9.90% of the excess over $349,700

6

     (4) There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of married individuals filing separate

7

returns and bankruptcy estates a tax determined in accordance with the following table:

8

If taxable income is: The tax is:

9

Not over $26,575 3.75% of taxable income

10

Over $26,575 but not over $64,250 $996.56 plus 7.00% of the excess over $26,575

11

Over $64,250 but not over $97,925 $3,633.81 plus 7.75% of the excess over $64,250

12

Over $97,925 but not over $174,850 $6,243.63 plus 9.00% of the excess over $97,925

13

Over $174,850 $13,166.88 plus 9.90% of the excess over $174,850

14

     (5) There is hereby imposed a taxable income of an estate or trust a tax determined in

15

accordance with the following table:

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If taxable income is: The tax is:

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Not over $2,150 3.75% of taxable income

18

Over $2,150 but not over $5,000 $80.63 plus 7.00% of the excess over $2,150

19

Over $5,000 but not over $7,650 $280.13 plus 7.75% of the excess over $5,000

20

Over $7,650 but not over $10,450 $485.50 plus 9.00% of the excess over $7,650

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Over $10,450 $737.50 plus 9.90% of the excess over $10,450

22

     (6) Adjustments for inflation. The dollars amount contained in paragraph (A) shall be

23

increased by an amount equal to:

24

     (a) Such dollar amount contained in paragraph (A) in the year 1993, multiplied by;

25

     (b) The cost-of-living adjustment determined under section (J) with a base year of 1993;

26

     (c) The cost-of-living adjustment referred to in subparagraph (a) and (b) used in making

27

adjustments to the nine percent (9%) and nine and nine tenths percent (9.9%) dollar amounts shall

28

be determined under section (J) by substituting "1994" for "1993."

29

     (B) Maximum capital gains rates

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     (1) In general

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     If a taxpayer has a net capital gain for tax years ending prior to January 1, 2010, the tax

32

imposed by this section for such taxable year shall not exceed the sum of:

33

     (a) 2.5 % of the net capital gain as reported for federal income tax purposes under section

34

26 U.S.C. 1(h)(1)(a) and 26 U.S.C. 1(h)(1)(b).

 

LC004338 - Page 5 of 17

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     (b) 5% of the net capital gain as reported for federal income tax purposes under 26 U.S.C.

2

1(h)(1)(c).

3

     (c) 6.25% of the net capital gain as reported for federal income tax purposes under 26

4

U.S.C. 1(h)(1)(d).

5

     (d) 7% of the net capital gain as reported for federal income tax purposes under 26 U.S.C.

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1(h)(1)(e).

7

     (2) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2010 the tax imposed on net capital

8

gain shall be determined under subdivision 44-30-2.6(c)(2)(A).

9

     (C) Itemized deductions.

10

     (1) In general

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     For the purposes of section (2) "itemized deductions" means the amount of federal

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itemized deductions as modified by the modifications in section 44-30-12.

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     (2) Individuals who do not itemize their deductions In the case of an individual who does

14

not elect to itemize his deductions for the taxable year, they may elect to take a standard

15

deduction.

16

     (3) Basic standard deduction. The Rhode Island standard deduction shall be allowed in

17

accordance with the following table:

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     Filing status Amount

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     Single $5,350

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     Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) $8,900

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     Married filing separately $4,450

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     Head of Household $7,850

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     (4) Additional standard deduction for the aged and blind. An additional standard

24

deduction shall be allowed for individuals age sixty-five (65) or older or blind in the amount of

25

$1,300 for individuals who are not married and $1,050 for individuals who are married.

26

     (5) Limitation on basic standard deduction in the case of certain dependents. In the case

27

of an individual to whom a deduction under section (E) is allowable to another taxpayer, the basic

28

standard deduction applicable to such individual shall not exceed the greater of:

29

     (a) $850;

30

     (b) The sum of $300 and such individual's earned income;

31

     (6) Certain individuals not eligible for standard deduction. In the case of:

32

     (a) A married individual filing a separate return where either spouse itemizes deductions;

33

     (b) Nonresident alien individual;

34

     (c) An estate or trust;

 

LC004338 - Page 6 of 17

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     The standard deduction shall be zero.

2

     (7) Adjustments for inflation. Each dollars amount contained in paragraphs (3), (4) and

3

(5) shall be increased by an amount equal to:

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     (a) Such dollar amount contained in paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) in the year 1988,

5

multiplied by

6

     (b) The cost-of-living adjustment determined under section (J) with a base year of 1988.

7

     (D) Overall limitation on itemized deductions

8

     (1) General rule.

9

     In the case of an individual whose adjusted gross income as modified by section 44-30-12

10

exceeds the applicable amount, the amount of the itemized deductions otherwise allowable for the

11

taxable year shall be reduced by the lesser of:

12

     (a) Three percent (3%) of the excess of adjusted gross income as modified by section 44-

13

30-12 over the applicable amount; or

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     (b) Eighty percent (80%) of the amount of the itemized deductions otherwise allowable

15

for such taxable year.

16

     (2) Applicable amount.

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     (a) In general.

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     For purposes of this section, the term "applicable amount" means $156,400 ($78,200 in

19

the case of a separate return by a married individual)

20

     (b) Adjustments for inflation.

21

     Each dollar amount contained in paragraph (a) shall be increased by an amount equal to:

22

     (i) Such dollar amount contained in paragraph (a) in the year 1991, multiplied by

23

     (ii) The cost-of-living adjustment determined under section (J) with a base year of 1991.

24

     (3) Phase-out of Limitation.

25

     (a) In general.

26

     In the case of taxable year beginning after December 31, 2005, and before January 1,

27

2010, the reduction under section (1) shall be equal to the applicable fraction of the amount which

28

would be the amount of such reduction.

29

     (b) Applicable fraction.

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     For purposes of paragraph (a), the applicable fraction shall be determined in accordance

31

with the following table:

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     For taxable years beginning in calendar year The applicable fraction is

33

     2006 and 2007 2/3

34

     2008 and 2009 1/3

 

LC004338 - Page 7 of 17

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      (E) Exemption amount

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     (1) In general.

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     Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the term "exemption amount" mean

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$3,400.

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     (2) Exemption amount disallowed in case of certain dependents. In the case of an

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individual with respect to whom a deduction under this section is allowable to another taxpayer

7

for the same taxable year, the exemption amount applicable to such individual for such

8

individual's taxable year shall be zero.

9

     (3) Adjustments for inflation. The dollar amount contained in paragraph (1) shall be

10

increased by an amount equal to:

11

     (a) Such dollar amount contained in paragraph (1) in the year 1989, multiplied by

12

     (b) The cost-of-living adjustment determined under section (J) with a base year of 1989.

13

     (4) Limitation.

14

     (a) In general.

15

     In the case of any taxpayer whose adjusted gross income as modified for the taxable year

16

exceeds the threshold amount shall be reduced by the applicable percentage.

17

     (b) Applicable percentage.

18

     In the case of any taxpayer whose adjusted gross income for the taxable year exceeds the

19

threshold amount, the exemption amount shall be reduced by two (2) percentage points for each

20

$2,500 (or fraction thereof) by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income for the taxable year

21

exceeds the threshold amount. In the case of a married individual filing a separate return, the

22

preceding sentence shall be applied by substituting "$1,250" for "$2,500." In no event shall the

23

applicable percentage exceed one hundred percent (100%).

24

     (c) Threshold Amount.

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     For the purposes of this paragraph, the term "threshold amount" shall be determined with

26

the following table:

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     Filing status Amount

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     Single $156,400

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     Married filing jointly of qualifying widow(er) $234,600

30

     Married filing separately $117,300

31

     Head of Household $195,500

32

     (d) Adjustments for inflation. Each dollars amount contain in paragraph (b) shall be

33

increased by an amount equal to:

34

     (i) Such dollar amount contained in paragraph (b) in the year 1991, multiplied by

 

LC004338 - Page 8 of 17

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     (ii) The cost-of-living adjustment determined under section (J) with a base year of 1991.

2

     (5) Phase-out of Limitation.

3

     (a) In general.

4

     In the case of taxable years beginning after December 31, 2005, and before January 1,

5

2010, the reduction under section 4 shall be equal to the applicable fraction of the amount which

6

would be the amount of such reduction.

7

     (b) Applicable fraction.

8

     For the purposes of paragraph (a), the applicable fraction shall be determined in

9

accordance with the following table:

10

     For taxable years beginning in calendar year The applicable fraction is

11

     2006 and 2007 2/3

12

     2008 and 2009 1/3

13

      (F) Alternative minimum tax

14

     (1) General rule. - There is hereby imposed (in addition to any other tax imposed by this

15

subtitle) a tax equal to the excess (if any) of:

16

     (a) The tentative minimum tax for the taxable year, over

17

     (b) The regular tax for the taxable year.

18

     (2) The tentative minimum tax for the taxable year is the sum of:

19

     (a) 6.5 percent of so much of the taxable excess as does not exceed $175,000, plus

20

     (b) 7.0 percent of so much of the taxable excess above $175,000.

21

     (3) The amount determined under the preceding sentence shall be reduced by the

22

alternative minimum tax foreign tax credit for the taxable year.

23

     (4) Taxable excess. - For the purposes of this subsection the term "taxable excess" means

24

so much of the federal alternative minimum taxable income as modified by the modifications in

25

section 44-30-12 as exceeds the exemption amount.

26

     (5) In the case of a married individual filing a separate return, subparagraph (2) shall be

27

applied by substituting "$87,500" for $175,000 each place it appears.

28

     (6) Exemption amount.

29

     For purposes of this section "exemption amount" means:

30

     Filing status Amount

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     Single $39,150

32

     Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) $53,700

33

     Married filing separately $26,850

34

     Head of Household $39,150

 

LC004338 - Page 9 of 17

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     Estate or trust $24,650

2

     (7) Treatment of unearned income of minor children

3

     (a) In general.

4

     In the case of a minor child, the exemption amount for purposes of section (6) shall not

5

exceed the sum of:

6

     (i) Such child's earned income, plus

7

     (ii) $6,000.

8

     (8) Adjustments for inflation.

9

     The dollar amount contained in paragraphs (6) and (7) shall be increased by an amount

10

equal to:

11

     (a) Such dollar amount contained in paragraphs (6) and (7) in the year 2004, multiplied

12

by

13

     (b) The cost-of-living adjustment determined under section (J) with a base year of 2004.

14

     (9) Phase-out.

15

     (a) In general.

16

     The exemption amount of any taxpayer shall be reduced (but not below zero) by an

17

amount equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount by which alternative minimum taxable

18

income of the taxpayer exceeds the threshold amount.

19

     (b) Threshold amount.

20

     For purposes of this paragraph, the term "threshold amount" shall be determined with the

21

following table:

22

     Filing status Amount

23

     Single $123,250

24

     Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) $164,350

25

     Married filing separately $82,175

26

     Head of Household $123,250

27

     Estate or Trust $82,150

28

     (c) Adjustments for inflation

29

     Each dollar amount contained in paragraph (9) shall be increased by an amount equal to:

30

     (i) Such dollar amount contained in paragraph (9) in the year 2004, multiplied by

31

     (ii) The cost-of-living adjustment determined under section (J) with a base year of 2004.

32

     (G) Other Rhode Island taxes

33

     (1) General rule. - There is hereby imposed (in addition to any other tax imposed by this

34

subtitle) a tax equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of:

 

LC004338 - Page 10 of 17

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     (a) The Federal income tax on lump-sum distributions.

2

     (b) The Federal income tax on parents' election to report child's interest and dividends.

3

     (c) The recapture of Federal tax credits that were previously claimed on Rhode Island

4

return.

5

     (H) Tax for children under 18 with investment income

6

     (1) General rule. - There is hereby imposed a tax equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of:

7

     (a) The Federal tax for children under the age of 18 with investment income.

8

     (I) Averaging of farm income

9

     (1) General rule. - At the election of an individual engaged in a farming business or

10

fishing business, the tax imposed in section 2 shall be equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of:

11

     (a) The Federal averaging of farm income as determined in IRC section 1301.

12

     (J) Cost-of-living adjustment

13

     (1) In general.

14

     The cost-of-living adjustment for any calendar year is the percentage (if any) by which:

15

     (a) The CPI for the preceding calendar year exceeds

16

     (b) The CPI for the base year.

17

     (2) CPI for any calendar year.

18

     For purposes of paragraph (1), the CPI for any calendar year is the average of the

19

Consumer Price Index as of the close of the twelve (12) month period ending on August 31 of

20

such calendar year.

21

     (3) Consumer Price Index

22

     For purposes of paragraph (2), the term "consumer price index" means the last consumer

23

price index for all urban consumers published by the department of labor. For purposes of the

24

preceding sentence, the revision of the consumer price index which is most consistent with the

25

consumer price index for calendar year 1986 shall be used.

26

     (4) Rounding.

27

     (a) In general.

28

     If any increase determined under paragraph (1) is not a multiple of $50, such increase

29

shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $50.

30

     (b) In the case of a married individual filing a separate return, subparagraph (a) shall be

31

applied by substituting "$25" for $50 each place it appears.

32

     (K) Credits against tax. - For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2001, a taxpayer

33

entitled to any of the following federal credits enacted prior to January 1, 1996 shall be entitled to

34

a credit against the Rhode Island tax imposed under this section:

 

LC004338 - Page 11 of 17

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     (1) [Deleted by P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 7, section 5].

2

     (2) Child and dependent care credit;

3

     (3) General business credits;

4

     (4) Credit for elderly or the disabled;

5

     (5) Credit for prior year minimum tax;

6

     (6) Mortgage interest credit;

7

     (7) Empowerment zone employment credit;

8

     (8) Qualified electric vehicle credit.

9

     (L) Credit against tax for adoption. - For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2006,

10

a taxpayer entitled to the federal adoption credit shall be entitled to a credit against the Rhode

11

Island tax imposed under this section if the adopted child was under the care, custody, or

12

supervision of the Rhode Island department of children, youth and families prior to the adoption.

13

     (M) The credit shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the aforementioned federal credits

14

provided there shall be no deduction based on any federal credits enacted after January 1, 1996,

15

including the rate reduction credit provided by the federal Economic Growth and Tax

16

Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA). In no event shall the tax imposed under this section be

17

reduced to less than zero. A taxpayer required to recapture any of the above credits for federal tax

18

purposes shall determine the Rhode Island amount to be recaptured in the same manner as

19

prescribed in this subsection.

20

     (N) Rhode Island earned income credit

21

     (1) In general.

22

     A taxpayer entitled to a federal earned income credit shall be allowed a Rhode Island

23

earned income credit equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the federal earned income credit.

24

Such credit shall not exceed the amount of the Rhode Island income tax.

25

     (2) Refundable portion. In the event the Rhode Island earned income credit allowed under

26

section (J) exceeds the amount of Rhode Island income tax, a refundable earned income credit

27

shall be allowed.

28

     (a) For purposes of paragraph (2) refundable earned income credit means fifteen percent

29

(15%) of the amount by which the Rhode Island earned income credit exceeds the Rhode Island

30

income tax.

31

     (O) The tax administrator shall recalculate and submit necessary revisions to paragraphs

32

(A) through (J) to the general assembly no later than February 1, 2010 and every three (3) years

33

thereafter for inclusion in the statute.

34

     (3) For the period January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011, and thereafter, "Rhode

 

LC004338 - Page 12 of 17

1

Island taxable income" means federal adjusted gross income as determined under the Internal

2

Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. 1 et seq., and as modified for Rhode Island purposes pursuant to

3

section 44-30-12 less the amount of Rhode Island Basic Standard Deduction allowed pursuant to

4

subparagraph 44-30-2.6(c)(3)(B), and less the amount of personal exemption allowed pursuant of

5

subparagraph 44-30-2.6(c)(3)(C).

6

     (A) Tax imposed.

7

     (I) There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of married individuals filing joint

8

returns, qualifying widow(er), every head of household, unmarried individuals, married

9

individuals filing separate returns and bankruptcy estates, a tax determined in accordance with the

10

following table:

11

RI Taxable Income RI Income Tax

12

Over But not over Pay + % on Excess on the amount over

13

$ 0 - $ 55,000 $ 0 + 3.75% $ 0

14

55,000 - 125,000 2,063 + 4.75% 55,000

15

125,000 - 500,000 5,388 + 5.99% 125,000

16

500,000 12,875 + 6.50% 500,000

17

     (II) There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of an estate or trust a tax determined

18

in accordance with the following table:

19

RI Taxable Income RI Income Tax

20

Over But not over Pay + % on Excess on the amount over

21

$ 0 - $ 2,230 $ 0 + 3.75% $ 0

22

2,230 7,022 84 + 4.75% 2,230

23

7,022 - 312 + 5.99% 7,022

24

     (B) Deductions:

25

     (I) Rhode Island Basic Standard Deduction.

26

     Only the Rhode Island standard deduction shall be allowed in accordance with the

27

following table:

28

     Filing status: Amount

29

     Single $7,500

30

     Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) $15,000

31

     Married filing separately $7,500

32

     Head of Household $11,250

33

     (II) Nonresident alien individuals, estates and trusts are not eligible for standard

34

deductions.

 

LC004338 - Page 13 of 17

1

     (III) In the case of any taxpayer whose adjusted gross income, as modified for Rhode

2

Island purposes pursuant to section 44-30-12, for the taxable year exceeds one hundred seventy-

3

five thousand dollars ($175,000), the standard deduction amount shall be reduced by the

4

applicable percentage. The term "applicable percentage" means twenty (20) percentage points for

5

each five thousand dollars ($5,000) (or fraction thereof) by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross

6

income for the taxable year exceeds one hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000).

7

     (C) Exemption Amount:

8

     (I) The term "exemption amount" means three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500)

9

multiplied by the number of exemptions allowed for the taxable year for federal income tax

10

purposes.

11

     (II) Exemption amount disallowed in case of certain dependents. In the case of an

12

individual with respect to whom a deduction under this section is allowable to another taxpayer

13

for the same taxable year, the exemption amount applicable to such individual for such

14

individual's taxable year shall be zero.

15

     (D) In the case of any taxpayer whose adjusted gross income, as modified for Rhode

16

Island purposes pursuant to section 33-30-12, for the taxable year exceeds one hundred seventy-

17

five thousand dollars ($175,000), the exemption amount shall be reduced by the applicable

18

percentage. The term "applicable percentage" means twenty (20) percentage points for each five

19

thousand dollars ($5,000) (or fraction thereof) by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income for

20

the taxable year exceeds one hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000).

21

     (E) Adjustment for inflation. - The dollar amount contained in subparagraphs 44-30-

22

2.6(c)(3)(A), 44-30-2.6(c)(3)(B) and 44-30-2.6(c)(3)(C) shall be increased annually by an amount

23

equal to:

24

     (I) Such dollar amount contained in subparagraphs 44-30-2.6(c)(3)(A), 44-30-

25

2.6(c)(3)(B) and 44-30-2.6(c)(3)(C) adjusted for inflation using a base tax year of 2000,

26

multiplied by;

27

     (II) The cost-of-living adjustment with a base year of 2000.

28

     (III) For the purposes of this section the cost-of-living adjustment for any calendar year is

29

the percentage (if any) by which the consumer price index for the preceding calendar year

30

exceeds the consumer price index for the base year. The consumer price index for any calendar

31

year is the average of the consumer price index as of the close of the twelve (12) month period

32

ending on August 31, of such calendar year.

33

     (IV) For the purpose of this section the term "consumer price index" means the last

34

consumer price index for all urban consumers published by the department of labor. For the

 

LC004338 - Page 14 of 17

1

purpose of this section the revision of the consumer price index which is most consistent with the

2

consumer price index for calendar year 1986 shall be used.

3

     (V) If any increase determined under this section is not a multiple of fifty dollars

4

($50.00), such increase shall be rounded to the next lower multiple of fifty dollars ($50.00). In the

5

case of a married individual filing separate return, if any increase determined under this section is

6

not a multiple of twenty-five dollars ($25.00), such increase shall be rounded to the next lower

7

multiple of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

8

     (E) Credits against tax.

9

     (I) Notwithstanding any other provisions of Rhode Island Law, for tax years beginning on

10

or after January 1, 2011, the only credits allowed against a tax imposed under this chapter shall be

11

as follows:

12

     (a) Rhode Island Earned Income Credit: Credit shall be allowed for earned income credit

13

pursuant to subparagraph 44-30-2.6(c)(2)(N).

14

     (b) Property Tax Relief Credit: Credit shall be allowed for property tax relief as provided

15

in section 44-33-1 et seq.

16

     (c) Lead Paint Credit: Credit shall be allowed for residential lead abatement income tax

17

credit as provided in section 44-30.3-1 et seq.

18

     (d) Credit for income taxes of other states. - Credit shall be allowed for income tax paid

19

to other states pursuant to section 44-30-74.

20

     (e) Historic Structures Tax Credit: Credit shall be allowed for historic structures tax

21

credit as provided in section 44-33.2-1 et seq.

22

     (f) Motion Picture Productions Tax Credit: Credit shall be allowed for motion picture

23

production tax credit as provided in section 44-31.2-1 et seq.

24

     (g) Child and Dependent Care: Credit shall be allowed for twenty-five percent (25%) of

25

the federal child and dependent care credit allowable for the taxable year for federal purposes;

26

provided, however, such credit shall not exceed the Rhode Island tax liability.

27

     (h) Tax credits for contributions to Scholarship Organizations: Credit shall be allowed for

28

contributions to scholarship organizations as provided in section 44-62 et seq.

29

     (i) Credit for tax withheld. - Wages upon which tax is required to be withheld shall be

30

taxable as if no withholding were required, but any amount of Rhode Island personal income tax

31

actually deducted and withheld in any calendar year shall be deemed to have been paid to the tax

32

administrator on behalf of the person from whom withheld, and the person shall be credited with

33

having paid that amount of tax for the taxable year beginning in that calendar year. For a taxable

34

year of less than twelve (12) months, the credit shall be made under regulations of the tax

 

LC004338 - Page 15 of 17

1

administrator. (2) Except as provided in section 1 above, no other state and federal tax credit shall

2

be available to the taxpayers in computing tax liability under this chapter.

3

     SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC004338

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LC004338 - Page 16 of 17

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO TAXATION -- ESTATE TAX

***

1

     This act would provide all net taxable estates for decedents whose death occurred after

2

January 1, 2015, with an exemption from the estate tax up to two million dollars ($2,000,000).

3

     This act would also increase the tax on income over five hundred thousand dollars

4

($500,000) from five and ninety-nine hundredths percent (5.99%) to six and five tenths percent

5

(6.50%).

6

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC004338 - Page 17 of 17