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 Tax, Tax, Tax By John D. Lindley, MACPA Vice President of Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs State tax issues have dominated the agendas of many in the Capitol over recent weeks – including the administration of Governor Rick Snyder, CPA, the State Legislature and the MACPA. Although some items have been more “headline grabbing” than others, all are clearly important to MACPA members, and their clients and employers. MBT Elimination and Replacement Thursday, May 12th saw the most significant overhaul of Michigan’s business and individual tax structures in years. With a final concurrence by the House of Representatives following a Senate vote, Gov. Snyder claimed victory on one of the major agenda items of his administration (and previously a major platform item for his campaign). He eliminated the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) and replaced it with a six-percent corporate income tax. The S-5 Substitute for House Bill 4361 passed the Senate Thursday afternoon when Lt. Governor Brian Calley broke a 19-19 tie with his “yes” vote. All 12 Democratic senators voted “no.” They were joined by six Republicans including Jack Brandenburg (Harrison Township), Patrick Colbeck (Canton), Dave Hildenbrand (Lowell), Joe Hune (Hamburg), Rick Jones (Grand Ledge), Dave Roberston (Grand Blanc) and Tory Rocca (Sterling Heights). Following the narrow vote on the Senate floor, the measure was returned to the House for concurrence where the rules were suspended and the House concurred in the Senate substitute 56-52. The package of legislation, also including HB 4362, HB 4479, HB 4480, HB 4481, HB 4482, HB 4483 and HB 4484, is awaiting the Governor’s signature. Significant elements of the pending law, which become effective January 1, 2012, include:
Beginning in earnest last fall, the MACPA’s leading MBT experts on the State & Local Tax Task Force and Business Tax Restructuring Subcommittee have been laboring on a legislative measure to correct some of the more glaring MBT technical issues and unintended consequences. A 10-page report encompassing 17 issues was finalized in late 2010 and has since developed into Senate Bill 369, introduced by Senate Finance Committee Chair Jack Brandenburg on May 10. With the goal of achieving some clarity in areas currently presenting ambiguities, the MACPA hopes to work with the Department of Treasury and the Legislature toward passing legislation before summer’s end. Those issues addressed in the legislation, and the manner in which they are addressed, are likely to evolve over coming weeks. Questions regarding details or requests for more information should be directed to the MACPA Government Relations Department at legislation@michcpa.org or 248.267.3700. Among the significant measures included in the legislation, as introduced, are:
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| PO Box 5068 Troy, MI 48007-5068 Phone: 248.267.3700 Fax: 248.267.3737 E-mail: ;macpa@michcpa.org | |
