BOOST Act

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a refundable credit against tax for the purchase of communications signal boosters in areas with inadequate broadband internet access service, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Broadening Online Opportunities through Simple Technologies Act BOOST Act 2. Broadband Internet communications signal booster credit (a) In general Subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 36C. Broadband internet communications signal booster credit (a) In general In the case of an individual who elects the application of this section, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle for the taxable year an amount equal to 75 percent of so much of the qualified signal booster expenditures of the taxpayer for the taxable year as does not exceed $400. (b) Qualified signal booster expenditures For purposes of this section— (1) In general The term qualified signal booster expenditures (2) Communications signal booster The term communications signal booster 47 U.S.C. 1401 (A) in order to increase the strength or range of such signal, and (B) in connection with retransmitting a broadband internet access service signal. (3) Unserved area The term unserved area (4) Broadband internet access service The term broadband internet access service (c) Credit allowed for only 1 taxable year An election by the taxpayer to have this section apply may not be made for any taxable year if such an election is in effect for the taxpayer for any preceding taxable year. (d) Regulations and guidance The Secretary shall, in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission, prescribe such regulations, and provide such other guidance, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section. (e) Termination This section shall not apply to any amounts paid or incurred in any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2025. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections for subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting before the item relating to section 26 the following new item: Sec. 36C. Broadband internet communications signal booster credit. . (c) Conforming amendment Section 1324(b) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting 36C, 36B, (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020. 3. Sense of Congress It is the sense of the Congress that the Federal Communications Commission should establish maps of areas eligible for funding under phase 2 of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund as expeditiously as possible.

Summary: Broadening Online Opportunities through Simple Technologies Act or the BOOST Act This bill allows an individual taxpayer to elect a tax credit for 75% of qualified signal booster expenditures up to $400 in a single taxable year through 2025. The bill defines qualified signal booster expenditures as amounts paid for the purchase of any communications signal booster for use by the taxpayer in a principal residence located in an underserved area. The booster is designed to increase the strength or range of a broadband communications signal.