2026 -- S 2238

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LC004297

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX

     

     Introduced By: Senators Murray, Lawson, Ciccone, DiMario, Lauria, Bissaillon, Acosta,
Gu, McKenney, and Burke

     Date Introduced: January 23, 2026

     Referred To: Senate Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 44-30-2.6 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-30 entitled "Personal

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Income Tax" is hereby amended to read as follows:

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     44-30-2.6. Rhode Island taxable income — Rate of tax.

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     (a) “Rhode Island taxable income” means federal taxable income as determined under the

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Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., not including the increase in the basic, standard-

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deduction amount for married couples filing joint returns as provided in the Jobs and Growth Tax

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Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 and the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of

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2001 (EGTRRA), and as modified by the modifications in § 44-30-12.

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

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

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taxable income of residents and nonresidents, including estates and trusts, at the rate of twenty-five

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and one-half percent (25.5%) for tax year 2001, and twenty-five percent (25%) for tax year 2002

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and thereafter of the federal income tax rates, including capital gains rates and any other special

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rates for other types of income, except as provided in § 44-30-2.7, which were in effect immediately

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prior to enactment of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA);

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provided, rate schedules shall be adjusted for inflation by the tax administrator beginning in taxable

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year 2002 and thereafter in the manner prescribed for adjustment by the commissioner of Internal

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Revenue in 26 U.S.C. § 1(f). However, for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2006, a

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taxpayer may elect to use the alternative flat tax rate provided in § 44-30-2.10 to calculate his or

 

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her personal income tax liability.

2

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

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

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

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

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the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (as redetermined on federal form 6251

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Alternative Minimum Tax-Individuals) by twenty-five and one-half percent (25.5%) for tax year

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

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

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Rhode Island alternative minimum tax.

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

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

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

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Revenue in 26 U.S.C. § 1(f).

15

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

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

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

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

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     (A) Tax imposed.

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

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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

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

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

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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

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

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determined in accordance with the following table:

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     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

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

 

LC004297 - Page 2 of 17

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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

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

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table:

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      If taxable income is: The tax is:

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Not over $31,850 3.75% of taxable income

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

8

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

9

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

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

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

12

returns and bankruptcy estates 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 $26,575 3.75% of taxable income

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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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

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     (6) Adjustments for inflation.

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     The dollars amount contained in paragraph (A) shall be increased by an amount equal to:

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

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

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

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

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

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     (B) Maximum capital gains rates.

 

LC004297 - Page 3 of 17

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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

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

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

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

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

7

§ 1(h)(1)(c).

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

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U.S.C. § 1(h)(1)(d).

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     (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).

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

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

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     (C) Itemized deductions.

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     (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 § 44-30-12.

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     (2) Individuals who do not itemize their deductions.

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     In the case of an individual who does not elect to itemize his deductions for the taxable

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year, they may elect to take a standard deduction.

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     (3) Basic standard deduction.

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     The Rhode Island standard deduction shall be allowed in accordance with the following

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table:

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Filing status Amount

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Single $5,350

26

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.

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     An additional standard deduction shall be allowed for individuals age sixty-five (65) or

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older or blind in the amount of $1,300 for individuals who are not married and $1,050 for

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individuals who are married.

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

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     In the case of an individual to whom a deduction under section (E) is allowable to another

 

LC004297 - Page 4 of 17

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

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     (a) $850;

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

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     (6) Certain individuals not eligible for standard deduction.

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     In the case of:

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

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     (b) Nonresident alien individual;

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     (c) An estate or trust;

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     The standard deduction shall be zero.

10

     (7) Adjustments for inflation.

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     Each dollar amount contained in paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) shall be increased by an amount

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equal to:

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

14

by

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

16

     (D) Overall limitation on itemized deductions.

17

     (1) General rule.

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

19

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

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taxable year shall be reduced by the lesser of:

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     (a) Three percent (3%) of the excess of adjusted gross income as modified by § 44-30-12

22

over the applicable amount; or

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

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such taxable year.

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     (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 the

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case of a separate return by a married individual)

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     (b) Adjustments for inflation.

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

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

32

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

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     (3) Phase-out of Limitation.

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     (a) In general.

 

LC004297 - Page 5 of 17

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     In the case of taxable year beginning after December 31, 2005, and before January 1, 2010,

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

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be the amount of such reduction.

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     (b) Applicable fraction.

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

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with the following table:

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For taxable years beginning in calendar year The applicable fraction is

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2006 and 2007 ⅔

9

2008 and 2009 ⅓

10

     (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” means

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$3,400.

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

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     In the case of an individual with respect to whom a deduction under this section is allowable

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

17

for such individual's taxable year shall be zero.

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     (3) Adjustments for inflation.

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     The dollar amount contained in paragraph (1) shall be increased by an amount equal to:

20

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

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

22

     (4) Limitation.

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     (a) In general.

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

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

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     (b) Applicable percentage.

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

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

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

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

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

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applicable percentage exceed one hundred percent (100%).

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     (c) Threshold Amount.

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

 

LC004297 - Page 6 of 17

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the following table:

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Filing status Amount

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Single $156,400

4

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

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Married filing separately $117,300

6

Head of Household $195,500

7

     (d) Adjustments for inflation.

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

9

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

10

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

11

     (5) Phase-out of limitation.

12

     (a) In general.

13

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

14

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

15

would be the amount of such reduction.

16

     (b) Applicable fraction.

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

18

with the following table:

19

For taxable years beginning in calendar year The applicable fraction is

20

2006 and 2007 ⅔

21

2008 and 2009 ⅓

22

     (F) Alternative minimum tax.

23

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

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

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

26

     (b) The regular tax for the taxable year.

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

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

29

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

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

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minimum tax foreign tax credit for the taxable year.

32

     (4) Taxable excess. For the purposes of this subsection the term “taxable excess” means so

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much of the federal alternative minimum taxable income as modified by the modifications in § 44-

34

30-12 as exceeds the exemption amount.

 

LC004297 - Page 7 of 17

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

2

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

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     (6) Exemption amount.

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     For purposes of this section "exemption amount" means:

5

Filing status Amount

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Single $39,150

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

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Married filing separately $26,850

9

Head of Household $39,150

10

Estate or trust $24,650

11

     (7) Treatment of unearned income of minor children

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     (a) In general.

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

14

exceed the sum of:

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     (i) Such child's earned income, plus

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     (ii) $6,000.

17

     (8) Adjustments for inflation.

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

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equal to:

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

21

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

22

     (9) Phase-out.

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     (a) In general.

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

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

26

of the taxpayer exceeds the threshold amount.

27

     (b) Threshold amount.

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

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following table:

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Filing status Amount

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Single $123,250

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

33

Married filing separately $82,175

34

Head of Household $123,250

 

LC004297 - Page 8 of 17

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Estate or Trust $82,150

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     (c) Adjustments for inflation

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

4

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

5

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

6

     (G) Other Rhode Island taxes.

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

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

9

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

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

11

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

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return.

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     (H) Tax for children under 18 with investment income.

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

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

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     (I) Averaging of farm income.

17

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

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

19

     (a) The Federal averaging of farm income as determined in IRC section 1301 [26 U.S.C. § 

20

1301].

21

     (J) Cost-of-living adjustment.

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     (1) In general.

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

24

     (a) The CPI for the preceding calendar year exceeds

25

     (b) The CPI for the base year.

26

     (2) CPI for any calendar year.

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

28

price index as of the close of the twelve (12) month period ending on August 31 of such calendar

29

year.

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     (3) Consumer price index.

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

32

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

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

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consumer price index for calendar year 1986 shall be used.

 

LC004297 - Page 9 of 17

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     (4) Rounding.

2

     (a) In general.

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

4

be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $50.

5

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

6

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

7

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

8

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

9

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

10

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

11

     (2) Child and dependent care credit;

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     (3) General business credits;

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     (4) Credit for elderly or the disabled;

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     (5) Credit for prior year minimum tax;

15

     (6) Mortgage interest credit;

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     (7) Empowerment zone employment credit;

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     (8) Qualified electric vehicle credit.

18

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

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

20

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

21

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

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

23

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

24

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

25

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

26

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

27

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

28

prescribed in this subsection.

29

     (N) Rhode Island earned-income credit.

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     (1) In general.

31

     For tax years beginning before January 1, 2015, a taxpayer entitled to a federal earned-

32

income credit shall be allowed a Rhode Island earned-income credit equal to twenty-five percent

33

(25%) of the federal earned-income credit. Such credit shall not exceed the amount of the Rhode

34

Island income tax.

 

LC004297 - Page 10 of 17

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     For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2015, and before January 1, 2016, a taxpayer

2

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

3

equal to ten percent (10%) of the federal earned-income credit. Such credit shall not exceed the

4

amount of the Rhode Island income tax.

5

     For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, a taxpayer entitled to a federal earned-

6

income credit shall be allowed a Rhode Island earned-income credit equal to twelve and one-half

7

percent (12.5%) of the federal earned-income credit. Such credit shall not exceed the amount of the

8

Rhode Island income tax.

9

     For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2017, a taxpayer entitled to a federal earned-

10

income credit shall be allowed a Rhode Island earned-income credit equal to fifteen percent (15%)

11

of the federal earned-income credit. Such credit shall not exceed the amount of the Rhode Island

12

income tax.

13

     For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, a taxpayer entitled to a federal earned-

14

income credit shall be allowed a Rhode Island earned-income credit equal to sixteen percent (16%)

15

of the federal earned-income credit. Such credit shall not exceed the amount of the Rhode Island

16

income tax.

17

     (2) Refundable portion.

18

     In the event the Rhode Island earned-income credit allowed under paragraph (N)(1) of this

19

section exceeds the amount of Rhode Island income tax, a refundable earned-income credit shall

20

be allowed as follows.

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     (i) For tax years beginning before January 1, 2015, for purposes of paragraph (2) refundable

22

earned-income credit means fifteen percent (15%) of the amount by which the Rhode Island earned-

23

income credit exceeds the Rhode Island income tax.

24

     (ii) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2015, for purposes of paragraph (2)

25

refundable earned-income credit means one hundred percent (100%) of the amount by which the

26

Rhode Island earned-income credit exceeds the Rhode Island income tax.

27

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

28

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

29

thereafter for inclusion in the statute.

30

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

31

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

32

Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., and as modified for Rhode Island purposes pursuant to § 44-

33

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

34

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

 

LC004297 - Page 11 of 17

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

2

     (A) Tax imposed.

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

table:

7

RI Taxable Income RI Income Tax

8

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

9

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

10

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

11

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

12

     (II) Additional tax on high-income filers. For tax years beginning on or after January 1,

13

2027, there is hereby imposed, in addition to any other tax imposed under this chapter, an additional

14

tax equal to three percent (3%) of taxable income in excess of an inflation-adjusted threshold

15

amount.

16

     The additional tax shall apply to married individuals filing joint returns, qualifying

17

widow(er)s, heads of household, unmarried individuals, married individuals filing separate returns,

18

and bankruptcy estates.

19

     The threshold amount shall be set at six hundred forty thousand dollars ($640,000) in 2026

20

dollars, which amount is intended to approximate the taxable income of the highest one percent

21

(1%) of tax filers. Beginning with tax year 2027 and for each tax year thereafter, the threshold

22

amount shall be adjusted annually for inflation in accordance with the procedure established in §

23

44-30-2.6(c)(3)(E).

24

     The additional tax imposed by this subsection shall apply only to taxable income exceeding

25

the inflation-adjusted threshold amount and shall not apply to taxable income at or below such

26

amount.

27

     The tax imposed under this subsection shall not apply to tax years beginning before January

28

1, 2027, nor shall it apply to taxable income attributable to prior tax years.

29

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

30

in accordance with the following table:

31

RI Taxable Income RI Income Tax

32

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

33

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

34

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

 

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1

7,022 - 312 + 5.99% 7,022

2

     (B) Deductions:

3

     (I) Rhode Island Basic Standard Deduction.

4

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

5

following table:

6

Filing status: Amount

7

Single $7,500

8

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

9

Married filing separately $7,500

10

Head of Household $11,250

11

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

12

deductions.

13

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

14

purposes pursuant to § 44-30-12, for the taxable year exceeds one hundred seventy-five thousand

15

dollars ($175,000), the standard deduction amount shall be reduced by the applicable percentage.

16

The term “applicable percentage” means twenty (20) percentage points for each five thousand

17

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

18

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

19

     (C) Exemption Amount:

20

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

21

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

22

purposes. For tax years beginning on or after 2018, the term “exemption amount” means the same

23

as it does in 26 U.S.C. § 151 and 26 U.S.C. § 152 just prior to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and

24

Jobs Act (Pub. L. No. 115-97) on December 22, 2017.

25

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

26

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

27

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

28

taxable year shall be zero.

29

     (III) Identifying information required.

30

     (1) Except as provided in § 44-30-2.6(c)(3)(C)(II) of this section, no exemption shall be

31

allowed under this section with respect to any individual unless the Taxpayer Identification Number

32

of such individual is included on the federal return claiming the exemption for the same tax filing

33

period.

34

     (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 44-30-2.6(c)(3)(C)(I) of this section, in the event

 

LC004297 - Page 13 of 17

1

that the Taxpayer Identification Number for each individual is not required to be included on the

2

federal tax return for the purposes of claiming a personal exemption(s), then the Taxpayer

3

Identification Number must be provided on the Rhode Island tax return for the purpose of claiming

4

said exemption(s).

5

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

6

purposes pursuant to § 44-30-12, for the taxable year exceeds one hundred seventy-five thousand

7

dollars ($175,000), the exemption amount shall be reduced by the applicable percentage. The term

8

“applicable percentage” means twenty (20) percentage points for each five thousand dollars

9

($5,000) (or fraction thereof) by which the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income for the taxable year

10

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

11

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

12

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

13

equal to:

14

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

15

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

16

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

17

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

18

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

19

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

20

average of the consumer price index as of the close of the twelve-month (12) period ending on

21

August 31, of such calendar year.

22

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

23

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

24

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

25

price index for calendar year 1986 shall be used.

26

     (V) If any increase determined under this section is not a multiple of fifty dollars ($50.00),

27

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

28

married individual filing separate return, if any increase determined under this section is not a

29

multiple of twenty-five dollars ($25.00), such increase shall be rounded to the next lower multiple

30

of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

31

     (F) Credits against tax.

32

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

33

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

34

as follows:

 

LC004297 - Page 14 of 17

1

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

2

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

3

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

4

in § 44-33-1 et seq.

5

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

6

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

7

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

8

other states pursuant to § 44-30-74.

9

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

10

as provided in § 44-33.2-1 et seq.

11

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

12

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

13

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

14

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

15

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

16

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

17

contributions to scholarship organizations as provided in chapter 62 of title 44.

18

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

19

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

20

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

21

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

22

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

23

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

24

administrator.

25

     (j) Stay Invested in RI Wavemaker Fellowship: Credit shall be allowed for stay invested in

26

RI wavemaker fellowship program as provided in § 42-64.26-1 et seq.

27

     (k) Rebuild Rhode Island: Credit shall be allowed for rebuild RI tax credit as provided in

28

§ 42-64.20-1 et seq.

29

     (l) Rhode Island Qualified Jobs Incentive Program: Credit shall be allowed for Rhode

30

Island new qualified jobs incentive program credit as provided in § 44-48.3-1 et seq.

31

     (m) Historic homeownership assistance act: Effective for tax year 2017 and thereafter,

32

unused carryforward for such credit previously issued shall be allowed for the historic

33

homeownership assistance act as provided in § 44-33.1-4. This allowance is for credits already

34

issued pursuant to § 44-33.1-4 and shall not be construed to authorize the issuance of new credits

 

LC004297 - Page 15 of 17

1

under the historic homeownership assistance act.

2

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

3

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

4

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2027.

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LC004297 - Page 16 of 17

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO TAXATION -- PERSONAL INCOME TAX

***

1

     This act would create an additional Rhode Island personal income tax of three percent

2

(3.00%) on taxable income over approximately six-hundred and forty thousand dollars ($640,000)

3

in 2026 dollars, impacting only the top one percent (1%) in income of personal income tax filers.

4

This tax would apply to taxable income after all appropriate exemptions and deductions and not to

5

total income. The existing three-bracket personal income tax structure would remain in place. Each

6

year, Rhode Island’s division of taxation would apply an inflation adjustment to revise the top one

7

percent (1%) cut-off for the following tax year.

8

     This act would not apply retroactively to prior tax years or to taxable income from prior

9

tax years.

10

     This act would take effect on January 1, 2027.

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LC004297 - Page 17 of 17