News from Representative Gruenhagen 03-28-2014

Dear Friends,

 

Last week, the House and Senate voted by overwhelming margins to undo some of the mistakes made by Democrats last May. If you recall, Democrats passed three wildly unpopular business-to-business taxes in the closing moments of the 2013 session. They also failed to conform Minnesota's tax code to the federal code, preventing Minnesotans from taking advantage of several tax deductions they should have been entitled to.

 

This was an important step to help protect Minnesota's economy from further damage incurred by the Democrat tax increases. The telecommunications tax, and the commercial machinery repair tax, sometimes known as the farm equipment repair tax have been in effect since July 1. The warehousing tax, which has caused many Minnesota businesses to consider using warehousing services in Iowa or Wisconsin, was set to begin on April 1st. 

 

We were able to repeal these harmful taxes because it is now clear that they were not necessary in the first place, as evidenced by Minnesota's $1.2 billion budget surplus.

 

You can watch my speech on the tax bill by clicking here or on the image below.

 

 

The 2014 session so far has been about cleaning up the mistakes from 2013. This tax bill did that. It also conformed much of Minnesota's tax code to the federal code, restoring those important tax breaks that thousands of Minnesota families can now take advantage of when they file their taxes. According to the Department of Revenue, here is what you should do with regard to federal tax conformity, and making sure you receive the credits you're entitled to:

 

If you've already files your taxes, the Minnesota Department of Revenue will automatically check to make sure you receive all of the deductions you're entitled to following the passage of this tax bill.

 

If you haven't yet filed your taxes, but know you will be claiming some of the tax deductions restored thanks to tax conformity, the Revenue department advises that you wait until April 3rd or later to file (as a reminder, the tax deadline is April 15th). Doing so prior to April 3rd may result in a delay for your tax return.

 

If you know you won't be eligible for any of the tax breaks, you can file your taxes at any time. There will be no delay for your tax return.

 

Check the Minnesota Department of Revenue site for more information on tax conformity, specific deductions, and how it may impact your return.  

 

Town Hall meetings

I have schedule a series of six town hall meetings that will take place next Saturday and the following Saturday on April 5th and April 12th. This is your chance to ask questions, voice your concerns, and hear an update on the 2014 legislative session so far. The dates and times are as follows

 

Please don't hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions. You can reach my office by phone at 651-296-4229 or by email at rep.glenn.gruenhagen@house.mn.

 

Take care,

Glenn Gruenhagen
State Representative, District 18B