To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a refundable tax credit for individuals for amounts paid for gas and electricity for primary residences. | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 615
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 615Income tax creditsPublic utilities and utility rates
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a refundable tax credit for individuals for amounts paid for gas and electricity for primary residences.
INTRO JAN 22· LAST ACTION JAN 22
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it directly addresses the financial burden of energy costs, which can be a significant part of household budgets, especially during periods of high inflation or extreme weather. If this bill becomes law, eligible individuals could receive up to $350 back on their taxes, providing some relief from utility bills, which could free up funds for other necessities.
If the bill does not become law, there would be no federal tax credit specifically for gas and electricity costs, and households would continue to bear the full cost of their energy bills without this particular financial support. The bill's refundable nature means it could help low-income individuals who may not owe enough in taxes to benefit from a non-refundable credit, making it a more inclusive form of financial assistance.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Establishes a new refundable tax credit for individuals, capped at $350, for amounts paid for gas and electricity for their primary residence.
This provides direct financial relief to households struggling with energy costs, with the refundable nature ensuring even those with little to no tax liability can benefit.
PROVISION 02
Defines 'qualified energy costs' to include payments directly to a utility or costs included in rent for a primary residence.
This ensures both homeowners and renters who pay for their utilities are eligible, broadening the impact of the credit.
PROVISION 03
Sets income limitations for eligibility: $400,000 for joint filers and $200,000 for all other individuals based on modified adjusted gross income.
These limits target the credit to middle- and lower-income households, ensuring the benefit goes to those considered to need it most.
PROVISION 04
Requires landlords who include utility costs in rent to provide annual statements to tenants and the IRS by January 31st detailing these energy expenses.
This provision enables renters to claim the credit and provides necessary documentation for tax purposes, while also creating a new administrative task for landlords.
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 22, 2025
House BillHR 615Income tax creditsPublic utilities and utility rates
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a refundable tax credit for individuals for amounts paid for gas and electricity for primary residences.
Voters should care about this bill because it directly addresses the financial burden of energy costs, which can be a significant part of household budgets, especially during periods of high inflation or extreme weather. If this bill becomes law, eligible individuals could receive up to $350 back on their taxes, providing some relief from utility bills, which could free up funds for other necessities.
If the bill does not become law, there would be no federal tax credit specifically for gas and electricity costs, and households would continue to bear the full cost of their energy bills without this particular financial support. The bill's refundable nature means it could help low-income individuals who may not owe enough in taxes to benefit from a non-refundable credit, making it a more inclusive form of financial assistance.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a new refundable tax credit for individuals, capped at $350, for amounts paid for gas and electricity for their primary residence.
This provides direct financial relief to households struggling with energy costs, with the refundable nature ensuring even those with little to no tax liability can benefit.
med
Defines 'qualified energy costs' to include payments directly to a utility or costs included in rent for a primary residence.
This ensures both homeowners and renters who pay for their utilities are eligible, broadening the impact of the credit.
high
Sets income limitations for eligibility: $400,000 for joint filers and $200,000 for all other individuals based on modified adjusted gross income.
These limits target the credit to middle- and lower-income households, ensuring the benefit goes to those considered to need it most.
med
Requires landlords who include utility costs in rent to provide annual statements to tenants and the IRS by January 31st detailing these energy expenses.
This provision enables renters to claim the credit and provides necessary documentation for tax purposes, while also creating a new administrative task for landlords.
Landlords must provide a receipt for utility costs included in rent to the IRS and tenants for the preceding calendar year.
After the date of the enactment of this Act
The amendments made by this bill would apply to amounts paid or incurred.
GLOSSARY
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Refundable tax credit
A type of tax credit that can result in a refund even if it reduces a person's tax liability below zero. If the credit amount is more than the taxes owed, the taxpayer gets the difference back.
Internal Revenue Code of 1986
The official body of tax laws in the United States, managed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Primary residence
The main home where an individual lives, as opposed to a vacation home or investment property.
Taxable year
The accounting period used for calculating income taxes, usually the calendar year (January 1 to December 31) for individuals.
Modified adjusted gross income
A version of a person's income used for tax purposes that starts with their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and then adds back certain types of income that might have been excluded, like some foreign income.
Utility
A company that provides essential public services, such as electricity, gas, water, or telephone service.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JAN 22, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 22, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.