zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Employee Stock Ownership Plan Promotion and Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exempt certain distributions, including dividends, by S corporations to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) from the penalty tax for premature employee benefit plan withdrawals; (2) exempt deductions for ESOP dividends from corporate alternative minimum tax adjustments based on adjusted earnings and profits; (3) allow deferral of the recognition of gain for certain sales to ESOPs sponsored by any domestic corporation, including S corporations; (4) allow reinvestment of ESOP stock proceeds eligible for nonrecognition of gain in certain mutual funds; and (5) modify certain ESOP stock ownership rules. Amends the Small Business Act to allow a majority-owned ESOP business concern to continue to qualify for loans, preferences, and other programs under such Act.

Date: 2009-08-06
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Expanding Building Efficiency Incentives Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend for three years the new energy efficient home tax credit; (2) increase the rate of the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; (3) allow a $200 tax credit through 2011 for the cost of a home energy rating; and (4) allow a $500 tax credit for the cost of training and certifying home performance auditors to conduct home energy ratings.

Date: 2009-08-06
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Expanding Industrial Energy Efficiency Incentives Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase megawatt and horsepower capacity limitations for the combined heat and power system property energy tax credit; and (2) allow new tax credits to improve advanced motor system energy efficiency, to replace chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerant chillers, and for investment in any qualifying efficient industrial process water use project.

Date: 2009-08-06
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the tax treatment of the notional shipping income of S corporation shareholders by requiring the inclusion of such income for purposes of the alternative tax on qualifying shipping activities and by imposing a 15% surtax on certain differential amounts related to such income.

Date: 2009-09-09
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the first-time homebuyer tax credit to: (1) extend such tax credit through May 31, 2010; (2) extend through December 31, 2009, the date until which purchases of a principal residence may be treated as made on December 31, 2008, for tax purposes; and (3) extend through May 31, 2010, the waiver of recapture requirements for residences purchased after December 31, 2008.

Date: 2009-09-16
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Pay It Back Act - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to revise the limitation on the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase troubled assets under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to $700 billion outstanding at any one time. Changes the maximum authority to $700 billion, in the aggregate, or such higher amount, in the aggregate, as has been obligated or expended under TARP as of the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress every six months on transfer to the Treasury's General Fund for reduction of the public debt of revenues of, and proceeds from the sale of troubled assets purchased under TARP, or from the sale, exercise, or surrender of warrants or senior debt instruments acquired under TARP. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to require the Secretary to deposit in the Treasury solely for debt reduction any amounts received by the Secretary for the sale of any obligation or security acquired from the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), or a Federal Home Loan Bank for secondary market operations. Prohibits the use of any such amounts as an offset for other spending increases or revenue reductions. Requires deposit in the Treasury solely for debt reduction of any periodic commitment fee or any other fee or assessment paid to the Secretary by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac as a result of any preferred stock purchase agreement, mortgage-backed security purchase program, or any other program or activity under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Requires the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to report to Congress on FHFA plans to continue to support and maintain the nation's vital housing industry, while at the same time guaranteeing that the American taxpayer will not suffer unnecessary losses. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to require: (1) rescission of any ARRA (stimulus) funds offered to but not accepted by the governor or legislature of a state; and (2) their deposit in the Treasury solely for debt reduction. Requires the same treatment for any funds withdrawn or recaptured by an executive agency head which have not been obligated by a state to a local government or for a specific project. Rescinds for deposit in the Treasury solely for debt reduction specified discretionary appropriations that have not been obligated as of December 31, 2012. Lowers the statutory limit on the public debt by the amounts the Secretary receives under this Act for deposit in the Treasury solely for debt reduction.

Date: 2009-09-17
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Home Office Deduction Simplification Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code allow a taxpayer who uses a residence to conduct a trade or business a standard tax deduction equal to the lesser of $1,500 or the taxpayer's gross trade or business income derived from the business use of such residence. Allows an annual inflation adjustment to the standard deduction amount after 2009.

Date: 2009-10-06
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Bank On Our Communities Act of 2009 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to provide that the needs and viability of insured depository institutions with total assets of less than $5 billion (small financial institutions) may be taken into account by the Secretary of the Treasury when exercising authority under EESA. Establishes within the Treasury the Community Credit Renewal Fund to provide up to $15 billion in assistance to community banking institutions. Prescribes the manner in which a community banking institution may establish its long-term viability by demonstrating receipt of capital from investors other than the Secretary. Subjects a community banking institution to penalties if has failed by December 31, 2010, to: (1) increase its total amount of commercial, industrial, and consumer loans by a dollar amount equal to the amount of capital received from the Secretary; or (2) increase its total amount of commercial and industrial loans by a dollar amount at least 5 % greater than the smallest amount of such loans held by the community banking institution as of any quarter end of the first three quarters in calendar year 2009. Prescribes lending incentives to spur commercial and industrial loans by a community banking institution.

Date: 2009-10-21
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a five-year carryback of net operating losses, including the operating losses of life insurance companies, incurred in 2008 and 2009. Denies such extended loss carryover period to: (1) taxpayers in whom the federal government acquires an equity interest under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008; (2) the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac); and (3) members of certain affiliated groups. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make transfers to the general fund to cover reductions in revenues resulting from this Act.

Date: 2009-10-22
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Homebuyer Tax Credit Oversight and Accountability Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the first-time homebuyer tax credit, to: (1) deny such credit to taxpayers under the age of 18; (2) require taxpayers claiming such credit to attach to their returns a properly executed copy of the settlement statement used to purchase their residence and a certified statement of their eligibility for such credit from the real estate broker, settlement agent, or mortgage lender; and (3) prohibit a credit for residences acquired from a spouse. Requires the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to investigate, prosecute, and provide quarterly reports on instances of fraud related to the first-time homebuyer tax credit. Requires tax return preparers to file tax returns electronically unless they reasonably expect to file 100 or fewer individual income returns in a calendar year.

Date: 2009-10-26
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a five-year carryback of net operating losses, including the operating losses of life insurance companies, incurred in 2008 and 2009. Denies such extended loss carryover period to: (1) taxpayers in whom the federal government acquires an equity interest under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008; (2) the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac); and (3) members of certain affiliated groups. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make transfers to the general fund to cover reductions in revenues resulting from this Act.

Date: 2009-10-27
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Mobile Mammography Promotion Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the motor fuel excise tax fuel used in any highway vehicle designed exclusively to provide mobile mammography services.

Date: 2009-10-29
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) increased depreciation of qualified noncommercial aircraft property placed in service in 2010 or 2011; and (2) a three-year recovery period for the depreciation of such property placed in service before 2015. Defines "qualified noncommercial aircraft property" as any aircraft that is not used in the trade or business of transporting persons or property and that is first used after 2009. Allows such increased depreciation as an offset against the alternative minimum tax.

Date: 2009-11-03
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow decedent estates to base the value of qualified historic property on the net earnings of such property for estate and gift tax purposes. Defines "qualified historic property" as any building designated as a national historic landmark for at least 25 years prior to the death of a decedent and originally used for residential or farming purposes.

Date: 2009-11-04
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Small Business Penalty Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the penalty for failure to disclose a reportable transaction (a transaction determined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as having a potential for tax avoidance or evasion) to 75% of the decrease in tax resulting from such transaction. Sets forth a maximum penalty for failure to report a reportable transaction and a minimum and maximum penalty for failure to report a listed transaction (a transaction specifically identified by the IRS as a tax avoidance transaction). Requires the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to report by June 1, 2010, and then annually, to Congress on penalties relating to tax shelters and reportable transactions.

Date: 2009-11-16
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish a permanent estate tax exclusion of $3.5 million ($7 million for married couples filing joint tax returns) and a maximum 45% tax rate for decedents dying, generation-skipping transfers, and gifts made, after December 31, 2009; (2) allow an annual inflation adjustment to the exclusion amount after 2010; and (3) allow a surviving spouse an increase in the estate tax exclusion by the unused exclusion amount of a deceased spouse. Expresses the sense of the Senate that any reduction in federal revenues resulting from this Act should be fully offset.

Date: 2009-11-17
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the tax deduction for charitable contributions of qualified wild game meat by the processing fees paid with respect to such contributions; and (2) exclude from the gross income of meat processors processing fees paid by a charitable organization for the processing of donated wild game meat. Defines "qualified wild game meat" as the meat of any animal typically used for human consumption if: (1) such animal is killed in the wild by the individual making the charitable contribution; and (2) the meat is apparently wholesome and processed in accordance with applicable laws.

Date: 2009-11-18
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property expenditures, to include labor costs paid to prepare, assemble, or install any residential energy efficiency improvements eligible for such credit.

Date: 2009-12-03
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
S Corporation Inventory Contribution Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax deduction for charitable contributions of inventory to S corporations. Limits the amount of such deduction for corporations other than C corporations to 10% of aggregate net income.

Date: 2009-12-07
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) deny a tax deduction for expenses relating to direct-to-consumer advertising in any media for the sale and use of prescription pharmaceuticals; and (2) allow a tax deduction for fees, up to $500, for the participation of a child who is a dependent of a taxpayer in any organization that promotes or provides for the physical activity of children.

Date: 2009-12-11
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Taxpayer Responsibility, Accountability and Consistency Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) require reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of payments (including payments of amounts in consideration for property or of gross proceeds) of $600 or more made by or to corporations (other than tax-exempt organizations); (2) set forth safe harbor criteria and rules relating to the treatment of workers as employees or independent contractors; and (3) increase penalties for failure to file correct tax return information or comply with other information reporting requirements. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue an annual report on worker misclassification.

Date: 2009-12-15
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 50 to 80% the percentage of meals and entertainment expenses that may be claimed as a business tax deduction.

Date: 2009-12-17
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Suspends limitations on the tax deduction for charitable contributions made by individuals and corporations, including contributions for relief efforts related to the earthquake in Haiti and cash contributions in 2010 to specified public charities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2010 the tax deduction for charitable contributions of food inventory from any trade or business (including corporations other than C corporations).

Date: 2010-01-20
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify automatic fire sprinkler systems as five-year depreciable property. Makes this Act applicable to property placed in service after April 11, 2003.

Date: 2010-01-22
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Wall Street Bonus Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a tax on current or former employees of recipients of financial assistance under the Trouble Asset Relief Program (TARP) for 50% of any bonus exceeding $25,000 paid to them during 2010; and (2) establish in the Treasury the Small Business Growth Fund to hold revenues from such tax. Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish and carry out a program to make loans directly to small business concerns. Makes amounts from such Fund available to carry out such program.

Date: 2010-02-11
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Bipartisan Tax Fairness and Simplification Act of 2010 - Declares as the purposes of this Act to: (1) make the federal individual income tax system simpler, fairer, and more transparent; (2) reduce the income tax rate on corporations, repeal the individual and corporate alternative minimum tax (AMT), and eliminate special tax preferences; and (3) reduce the federal budget deficit. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) reduce the number of tax brackets for individual taxpayers from six to three (i.e., 15, 25, and 35%); (2) increase the standard tax deduction; (3) eliminate miscellaneous itemized tax deductions after 2010; (4) exclude from gross income 35% of certain dividend income and gain on capital assets; (5) repeal the AMT for individuals; (6) allow a new tax credit for interest on state and local bonds; (7) revise rules for tax-exempt retirement plans and education tax credits and create tax-exempt Lifetime Savings Accounts; and (8) deny a tax deduction for punitive damages. Makes permanent specified provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 that: (1) increased the earned income, dependent care, and child tax credits; and (2) repealed limits on personal exemptions and itemized tax deductions. Requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), beginning on January 1, 2011, to provide taxpayers a simplified Easyfile pre-prepared income tax return and a one-page summary of federal spending on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, defense, and interest on the federal debt. Revises corporate and business-related taxation by: (1) imposing a flat 24% rate on the taxable income of corporations; (2) increasing the expensing allowance for depreciable assets; (3) repealing deferral of taxes on foreign income; and (4) requiring 30% withholding of certain payments to beneficiaries of foreign accounts. Directs the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to identify and report to Congress on federal direct and indirect spending on businesses. Increases penalties for noncompliance with information reporting requirements. Sets forth rules and definitions for applying the economic substance doctrine to tax transactions. Imposes penalties for underpayments of tax due to transactions lacking in economic substance. Imposes a tax on Internet gambling.

Date: 2010-02-23
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Tax Code Termination Act - Terminates the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for taxable years beginning after 2013, except provisions of such Code relating to social security taxation (i.e., taxes on wage, self-employment, and railroad retirement income). Establishes within the legislative branch a National Commission on Tax Reform and Simplification. Directs the Commission to: (1) review the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and its impact on the economy, families, and the workforce: (2) determine whether the current income tax system should be replaced with a flat tax, a national sales tax, or another system, or can be simplified; and (3) submit a report to Congress on the results of its review, with recommendations for fundamental reform and simplification of the Code. Requires congressional approval of a new federal tax system no later than July 4, 2013, or a vote of Congress to reauthorize the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Date: 2010-02-25
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
American Renewable Biomass Heating Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 30% energy tax credit for investment in biomass heating property placed in service before January 1, 2014.

Date: 2010-03-25
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Reinvesting in U.S. Territories, Not Corporations Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the amount of distilled spirits excise tax revenue returned (covered over) to the treasuries of Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands by the amount of any unreasonable and excessive rum subsidy paid or incurred by either jurisdiction in an applicable calendar year. Defines "unreasonable and excessive rum subsidy" as the excess, if any, of the aggregate amount of direct and indirect government assistance paid to producers of distilled spirits in Puerto Rico or the Virginia Islands over 10% of the amounts covered over into the treasuries of such jurisdictions in a calendar year.

Date: 2010-04-15
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 30% energy tax credit for qualified energy efficiency property. Defines "qualified energy efficiency property" as property which: (1) is residential rental property, nonresidential real property, or mixed use real property; (2) is a qualified building as defined by this Act; and (3) achieves a specified energy savings. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to allow grants for investment in qualified energy efficiency property in lieu of tax credits.

Date: 2010-04-15
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Foreign-Held Debt Transparency and Threat Assessment Act - Expresses the sense of Congress about the growing federal debt of the United States, the increasing U.S. dependence on foreign creditors like its largest foreign creditor, the People's Republic of China, whose holdings could give China a tool with which to manipulate U.S. policymaking (including with respect to Taiwan) and pose a direct threat to the national economy and national security. Directs the President to report quarterly to certain congressional committees on the risks posed by foreign holdings of U.S. debt instruments, and make such report public on the Internet. Directs the Comptroller General to report annually to certain congressional committees on such risks. Directs the President to formulate, report to the appropriate congressional committees, and implement a plan of action to reduce an unsustainable level of risk to an acceptable and sustainable level, in a manner that results in a reduction in federal spending, in any case in which the President or the Comptroller General makes specified determinations that a foreign country's holdings of U.S. debt instruments pose an unacceptable risk to long-term national security or economic stability, or that the levels of risk posed by the federal debt are unsustainable.

Date: 2010-04-21
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance
Advanced Biofuel Investment Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 30% energy tax credit for investment in qualified advanced biofuel production property. Defines "qualified advanced biofuel production property" as property used exclusively to produce advanced biofuels for sale to unrelated persons. Terminates such credit after 2014. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 to allow investors in advanced biofuel production property a grant in lieu of a tax credit for investment in such property. Requires grant recipients to reinvest in advanced biofuel production property within 12 months after receipt of a grant payment.

Date: 2010-05-11
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the rate of the excise tax on beer produced within or imported into the United States for brewers who produce not more than 6 million barrels of beer a year.

Date: 2010-05-11
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Restoring Ecosystem Sustainability and Protection on the Delta Act - Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to accelerate from FY2017 to FY2010 the allocation of certain Gulf of Mexico oil and gas lease revenues from covered leases among the affected states (thus increasing each state's share). Declares that the historical lease sites in the 2002-2007 planning area shall include all leases entered into by the Secretary of Energy for an area in the Gulf of Mexico between October 1, 1982 (or an earlier date if practicable) and December 31, 2015.

Date: 2010-05-20
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Energy
Veto Wasteful Spending and Protect Taxpayers Act of 2010 - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to authorize the President to suspend and propose for cancellation (line item veto) any dollar amount of discretionary budget authority, item of new direct spending, or limited tax benefit. Prohibits such items from being proposed for suspension and cancellation more than once. Authorizes the President to transmit to Congress up to two special messages suspending and proposing the cancellation of items, including a draft bill that, if enacted would only cancel the items included. Requires the special message to include: (1) a determination, for every item, that such cancellation will reduce the federal budget deficit, not impair any essential government functions, and not harm the national interest; (2) any federal account, department, or establishment for which budget authority was to have been available for obligation and the specific project or governmental functions involved; (3) the specific states and congressional districts, if any, affected by the cancellation; and (4) the total number of cancellations imposed during the current session of Congress on such states and congressional districts. Sets forth procedures for expedited congressional consideration of a proposed cancellation.

Date: 2010-05-25
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Small Business Tax Equalization and Compliance Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax credit for social security taxes paid for employee cash tips to employers of cosmetologists. Requires employers of cosmetologists to report income and tips of their cosmetologist employees and to provide income and tip information to self-employed cosmetologists to whom they pay more than $600 in the taxable year. Imposes similar reporting requirements upon individuals who rent chairs to cosmetologists. Requires such employers to provide their cosmetologist employees and self-employed cosmetologists with information on the tax and tip reporting obligations of employees and self-employed individuals.

Date: 2010-05-26
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Bonus Depreciation Extension to Create Jobs Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2011 the additional 50% depreciation allowance for investment property, including computer software, water utility property, and qualified leasehold improvement property, which has a recovery period of 20 years of less.

Date: 2010-06-21
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Responsible Estate Tax Act - Repeals provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA) eliminating the tax on estates and generation-skipping transfers and the step-up in basis provisions for property acquired from a decedent for estates of decedents dying after 2009 (thus restoring prior law). Declares that the sunset provision (general terminating date of December 10, 2010) of EGTRRA shall not apply to title V of such Act ( Estate, Gift, and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Provisions). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) revise estate tax brackets for estates over $750,000 and impose a maximum tax rate of 55% on estates over $50 million; (2) impose a 10% surtax on estates over $500 million; (3) increase to $3 million the reduction in valuations of farmland for estate tax puposes; (4) increase to $2 million the maximum estate tax exclusion for contributions of conservation easements; (5) require executors of estates to file information returns and provide valuations and consistent basis information to persons acquiring property from decedents or by gift; (6) set forth estate valuation rules for certain transfers of nonbusiness assets and limit estate tax discounts for certain individuals with minority interests in a business acquired from a decedent; and (7) revise rules for valuing assets in grantor retained annuity trusts to require that the right to receive fixed amounts from an annuity last for a term of not less than 10 years, that such fixed amounts not decrease during the first 10 years of the annuity term, and that the remainder interest have a value greater than zero when transferred.

Date: 2010-06-24
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act of 2010 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to permit an individual debtor to exempt from the property of the estate in bankruptcy the debtor's aggregate interest, not to exceed $3,000, in a single rifle, shotgun, or pistol or any combination of them. Declares the date of enactment as the effective date of this Act.

Date: 2010-07-27
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Family Farm Estate Tax Deferral Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude from the value of a decedent's gross estate farmland used by the decedent or a member of the decedent's family for farming purposes for periods aggregating five years or more during the eight-year period ending on the date of the decedent's death; (2) impose a recapture tax on an heir who disposes of such farmland after the decedent's death or who ceases to use such farmland for farming purposes; and (3) increase the limitation on the estate tax exclusion for land subject to a qualified conservation easement to $5 million and the percentage of the value of such land that is excludable.

Date: 2010-07-28
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Economic Growth and Jobs Protection Act of 2010 - Repeals the provision in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 that provides for the inclusion of net investment income in the Medicare taxable base and imposes a 3.8% tax on such income, beginning in 2013.

Date: 2010-08-05
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional tax deduction for the cost of installing mechanical insulation property. Limits the amount of such deduction to the lesser of 30% and the reduction in energy loss from the installed mechanical insulation property compared to property which meets the minimum requirements of American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard 90.1-2007. Allows a deduction for 30% of the cost of replacing such property. Defines "mechanical insulation property" as insulation materials, facings, and accessory products: (1) placed in service in connection with a mechanical system which is located in the United States and of a character subject to an allowance for depreciation; and (2) utilized for thermal, acoustical, and personnel safety requirements for mechanical piping and equipment, hot and cold applications, and heating, venting and air conditioning applications which can be used in a variety of facilities. Allows a tax deduction for capital expenditures related to mechanical insulation property.

Date: 2010-08-05
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Zimbabwe Sanctions Repeal Act of 2010 - Repeals the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001. (The Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001 prohibits U.S. support through international financial institutions for debt relief and other economic development aid to Zimbabwe until certain conditions to restore democracy and the rule of law are met.)

Date: 2010-08-05
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: International affairs
Information Reporting Modernization Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $600 to $5,000 the threshold amount for reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) payments made to corporations. Adjusts such increased amount for inflation, beginning after 2012. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to tax returns filed in calendar years after 2011, to: (1) upgrade IRS scanning technology to allow for the submission of generic 1099-MISC forms downloaded from the IRS website; and (2) establish a free online entry and submission mechanism.

Date: 2010-09-14
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Taxpayer Advocacy and Government Accountability Promotion Act of 2010 or the TAX GAP Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend requirements for the reporting of payments to governmental units; (2) require information reporting of rental income from real estate; (3) require additional information on tax returns relating to mortgage interest; (4) expand information reporting requirements for bank accounts, non-interest bearing deposits, and electronic filings by paid tax preparers; (5) impose a continuous levy on federal contractors for tax liabilities and on payments made to Medicaid providers or suppliers; and (6) increase penalties for failure to file correct information returns, failure to file correct payee statements, and for intentional disregard of information reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) revise Schedule C of tax form 1040 (self-employment income) to require reporting of additional gross receipts and expense information by sole proprietors; and (2) report to Congress on efforts to improve voluntary compliance by sole proprietors. Authorizes the Secretary to make an apology payment to a taxpayer for any action or inaction by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that has caused the taxpayer excess expense or undue burden. Excludes the amount of any such apology payment from taxpayer gross income. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress: (1) a study of whether the IRS has sufficient capacity to incorporate expanded information reporting requirements; (2) a report on taxpayer assistance and tax simplification; (3) a study to quantify the effect of tax penalties; (4) comprehensive and detailed reports on a strategy for reducing the tax gap; (5) a study on revenue increases and costs with respect to tax gap legislation; and (6) reports on worker misclassification (e.g., employees classified as independent contractors).

Date: 2010-09-16
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), to establish a Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Matching Grant Program (VITA grant program) for the development, expansion, or continuation of volunteer tax preparation programs to assist low-income taxpayers and members of underserved populations. Establishes the National Center to Promote Quality, Excellence, and Evaluation in Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Requires such Center to: (1) promote the adoption of a universally accessible volunteer training platform for the preparation of federal income tax returns; (2) provide technical assistance to tax return preparation program managers; (3) identify and disseminate best practices related to tax site management; (4) support outreach and marketing efforts; and (5) provide evaluation of programs and activities funded under this Act.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Wrongful Convictions Tax Relief Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow wrongfully incarcerated individuals: (1) an exclusion from gross income for compensation received relating to their incarceration and for the first $50,000 of annual income received by such an individual after December 31, 2009; and (2) a refundable tax credit for 50% of payroll taxes on employment and self-employment income, up to $50,000 of such income. Limits the duration of such tax benefits to the lesser of 15 years or the number of years such an individual was incarcerated. Defines "wrongfully incarcerated individual" as an individual who was convicted of a criminal offense and was then pardoned or found not guilty of such offense because of innocence after serving all or a portion of a prison term. Disqualifies individuals with prior convictions punishable by more than one year of imprisonment.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Advanced Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase and extend the tax credit for new energy efficient homes; (2) increase the rate of the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; and (3) increase capacity limitations for purposes of the energy tax credit for combined heat and power system property. Allows: (1) a new tax credit for the cost of home energy ratings; (2) a business-related tax credit for the training and certification costs of home energy performance auditors and for motor energy efficiency improvements; (3) a 50% tax credit for performance-based home energy improvements; (4) a tax credit for investment in a qualifying efficient industrial process water use project; (5) a new tax credit for chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) chiller replacement; (6) accelerated depreciation for certain alternative energy property and natural gas distribution facilities; and (7) a new tax credit for the cost of an idling reduction device installed on a heavy-duty diesel-powered on-highway vehicle. Increases the limitation on allocations for the qualifying advanced energy project tax credit. Allows a tax credit for investment in a qualifying industrial energy efficiency project (a project that reduces energy inputs for a given level of production by capital expenditures). Allows: (1) a 20% energy tax credit for investment in energy storage property directly connected to the power grid: (2) financing of such property with new clean renewable energy bonds; (3) a 30% energy tax credit for investment in qualified onsite energy storage property; and (4) a 30% nonbusiness energy property tax credit for qualified residential energy storage equipment. Extends through 2012 the tax credit for producing electricity from offshore wind facilities. Increases and expands the tax credit for carbon dioxide sequestration. Modifies the definition of "cellulosic biofuel" for purposes of the cellulosic biofuel producer tax credit and the special depreciation allowance to mean any liquid fuel that is derived solely from qualified feedstocks (defined as any lignocellulosic or hemicellulosic matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis and any cultivated algae, cyanobacteria, or lemna).

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Tax Relief Certainty Act - Eliminates the terminating date of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, thus making the provisions of such Act permanent. Terminates after December 31, 2011, provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act increasing tax benefits for adoption. Eliminates the terminating date of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 applicable to provisions reducing tax rates on dividends and capital gains. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) phase-in between 2010 through 2020 increases in the exemption amount for the alternative minimum tax (AMT); and (2) make permanent offsets against the AMT for certain nonrefundable tax credits.

Date: 2010-11-18
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act of 2010 - Amends the Assistance for Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act, title II of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009, to extend: (1) through 2011 the $250 economic recovery payments to recipients of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (title XVI of the Social Security Act), railroad retirement benefits, and veterans disability compensation or pension benefits; and (2) through 2011 the special tax credit for certain government retirees. Makes additional appropriations through FY2013 to cover such payments.

Date: 2010-11-19
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Social welfare
Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act of 2010 - Amends the Assistance for Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act, title II of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009, to extend: (1) through 2011 the $250 economic recovery payments to recipients of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (title XVI of the Social Security Act), railroad retirement benefits, and veterans disability compensation or pension benefits; and (2) through 2011 the special tax credit for certain government retirees. Makes additional appropriations through FY2013 to cover such payments.

Date: 2010-11-29
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Social welfare
Middle Class Tax Cut Act - Extends through 2013 for a taxpayer whose income is $200,000 or less ($250,000 for married couples filing a joint return): (1) the tax rate reductions and other tax benefits of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, and (2) the reduction in the tax rate for dividend and capital gain income enacted by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. Increases income tax rates and phases-out personal exemptions and itemized deductions for certain high-income taxpayers. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2013: (1) the increased American Opportunity tax credit, (2) the increase in the refundable portion of the child tax credit, (3) the increased earned income tax credit percentage for three or more qualifying children, (4) the disregard of tax refunds in determining eligibility for federal and federally-assisted programs, and (5) the election to expense depreciable business assets. Extends for one year: (1) the increased exemption amount for the alternative minimum tax (AMT), and (2) the offset against the AMT of certain nonrefundable personal tax credits. Provides that the budgetary effects of this Act shall not be taken into account under the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.

Date: 2012-07-30
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Sensible Estate Tax Relief Act of 2012 - Extends through 2013 provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 pertaining to estates, gifts, and generation-skipping transfers. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a basic estate tax exclusion amount of $3.5 million, and (2) establish a maximum 45% estate tax rate. Exempts the budgetary effects of this Act from the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.

Date: 2012-07-30
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Fair Tax Act of 2011 - Repeals the income tax, employment tax, and estate and gift tax. Redesignates the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as the Internal Revenue Code of 2011. Imposes a national sales tax on the use or consumption in the United States of taxable property or services. Sets the sales tax rate at 23% in 2013, with adjustments to the rate in subsequent years. Allows exemptions from the tax for property or services purchased for business, export, or investment purposes, and for state government functions. Sets forth rules relating to: (1) the collection and remittance of the sales tax, and (2) credits and refunds. Allows a monthly sales tax rebate for families meeting certain size and income requirements. Grants states the primary authority for the collection of sales tax revenues and the remittance of such revenues to the Treasury. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to: (1) the filing of monthly reports and payments of tax, (2) accounting methods, (3) registration of sellers of goods and services responsible for reporting sales, (4) penalties for noncompliance, and (5) collections, appeals, and taxpayer rights. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate sales tax revenues among: (1) the general revenue, (2) the old-age and survivors insurance trust fund, (3) the disability insurance trust fund, (4) the hospital insurance trust fund, and (5) the federal supplementary medical insurance trust fund. Prohibits the funding of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after FY2015. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury: (1) an Excise Tax Bureau to administer excise taxes not administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and (2) a Sales Tax Bureau to administer the national sales tax. Terminates the sales tax imposed by this Act if the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (authorizing an income tax) is not repealed within seven years after the enactment of this Act.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
End Tax Uncertainty Act of 2011 - Makes permanent: (1) the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001; (2) provisions of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 that reduce income tax rates on dividend and capital gains income; and (3) the repeal of the estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the alternative minimum tax (AMT) on individual taxpayers; and (2) reduce to 25% the maximum income tax rate on corporations, including personal service corporations.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to change the income tax filing deadline for calendar year taxpayers from April 15 to the first Monday in November.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Fair and Simple Tax Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish an alternative income tax rate system with three tax brackets (10, 15, and 30%); (2) repeal the estate and gift tax; (3) adjust the increased alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption amounts for inflation after 2011 and make such exemptions permanent; (4) reduce the maximum corporate income tax rate to 25%; (5) reduce the maximum tax rate on capital gains to 10%; (6) allow an inflation adjustment to the basis of capital assets for purposes of determining gain or loss; (7) establish new tax-exempt accounts for retirement savings, lifetime savings, and lifetime skills accounts; (8) exempt individuals under age 65 who do not have employer health care coverage from the adjusted gross income threshold for the medical care tax deduction; and (9) make permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities. Repeals the terminating dates applicable to provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 and the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Makes permanent: (1) the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001; (2) provisions of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 that reduce income tax rates on dividend and capital gain income; and (3) the repeal of the estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2014 the standard tax deduction for real property taxes; and (2) allow an annual inflation adjustment to the allowable amount of such deduction.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Create Jobs by Expanding the R&D Tax Credit Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the rate of the tax credit for increasing research activities in 2011 and 2012; (2) extend such tax credit through 2012; and (3) allow certain small business concerns to assign research tax credit amounts in 2011 and 2012.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation
Permanently Repeal the Estate Tax Act of 2011 - Repeals the federal estate tax, effective for estates of decedents dying after December 31, 2010.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Macroeconomics (Tax Code)
Subject: Taxation