AICPA Urges Congress to Pass Remote and Mobile Worker Relief Act
Societal changes resulting from the global pandemic have caused many companies to mandate that their employees work remotely, which is creating complicated state tax issues for many Americans. The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) recognizes these challenges and, in a letter, expressed support for bipartisan federal legislation, the Remote and Mobile Worker Relief Act of 2020 (S. 3995), sponsored by Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH).
Nonresident state and local income taxation, withholding and filing requirements differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, creating administrative burdens for both taxpayers and businesses. Varying state and local income tax withholding laws and de minimis exceptions make state and local income tax compliance extremely difficult and time consuming. The bill provides relief from inconsistent state and local income tax and withholding rules that impact employers and employees. It also seeks to create a uniform national standard to simplify and enhance compliance with various state and local tax laws and reduce these burdens.
“You have reached a reasonable balance between the states’ rights to tax income from work performed within their borders, and the needs of individuals and businesses, and especially small businesses, to operate efficiently in this economic climate,” the letter to Senator Thune states.
“We are grateful for the leadership of Senators Thune and Brown on this critically important issue,” said Chair for the AICPA Tax Executive Committee, Chris Hesse, CPA. “The coronavirus pandemic has crippled businesses, and it’s important that Congress work to remove unnecessary obstacles to restoring the financial health of individuals and businesses.”
The Remote and Mobile Worker Relief Act provides uniformity for nonresident state and local income tax withholding and a reasonable de minimis exception from the assessment of state and local income tax in a jurisdiction in which an employee does not reside.