Finance Committee Approves Surviving Spouse Tax Bill

Senate Bill 953 would allow for filing of a joint return for state taxes

The Senate Finance Committee today (July 15) approved legislation that will allow a surviving spouse to file a joint state income tax return, according to Committee Chairman Senator Pat Browne (R-16).

Senate Bill 953, introduced by Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-6), amends the Tax Reform Code to allow a surviving spouse to file a joint return for the year in which his or her spouse died if a joint return could have been filed if both spouses were living for the entire taxable year.

"This bill brings Pennsylvania in-line with standards used by the federal government for its tax returns," said Senator Browne. "More importantly, this is a matter of fairness and compassion. It recognizes that people need time to adjust rather than be penalized for the passing of their spouses. It’s a small measure, but it could have a large impact on those who are grieving."

The Finance Committee also approved:

Senate Bill 918, introduced by Senator John Eichelberger (R-30), consolidates the County Assessment Law, and reenacts the language in the General County Assessment Law, the Fourth to Eighth Class County Assessment Law, and the Third Class County Assessment Board Law pertaining to the subjects of local taxation, exemptions from taxation, and the method by which property is valued and assessed for taxation purposes.

Senate Bill 952, introduced by Senator Tomlinson, eliminates penalties and interest for taxpayers who make estimated tax payments equal to the amount of the taxpayer’s liability for the preceding tax year. This would allow Pennsylvania taxpayers to estimate their tax payments in a manner similar to that which is allowed for Federal income taxes.

Contact:

Stacey Connors
(717) 787-1349