HB 961: Income tax, state; Virginia local journalism sustainability credits.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Virginia local journalism sustainability tax credits. Creates a nonrefundable income tax credit for eligible local newspaper publishers, defined in the bill, for compensation paid to local news journalists. The credit is equal to (i) for the first taxable year in which the credit is claimed, the lesser of 10 percent of the actual amounts paid in wages to local news journalists during such taxable year or $5,000 and (ii) in subsequent taxable years, the lesser of five percent of the actual amounts paid in wages to local news journalists during such taxable year or $2,500. The credit includes an aggregate cap of $5 million per taxable year. The bill also creates a nonrefundable income tax credit for eligible small businesses with fewer than 50 employees for certain expenses incurred for local media advertising in a local newspaper or in a broadcast of a local radio or television station. The credit is equal to (i) for the first taxable year in which the credit is claimed, the lesser of 80 percent of the actual amounts paid or incurred for qualified local media advertising expenses or $4,000 and (ii) in subsequent taxable years, the lesser of 50 percent of the actual amounts paid or incurred for qualified local media advertising expenses during such taxable year or $2,000. The credit includes an aggregate cap of $10 million per taxable year. Each of the credits may be claimed in taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2024, but before January 1, 2029.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 7

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. November 18, 2024Left in Finance
2. January 31, 2024Continued to 2025 with amendment(s) in Finance (Voice Vote)
3. January 29, 2024Subcommittee recommends continuing to 2025 with amendment(s) (Voice Vote)
4. January 28, 2024Impact statement from TAX (HB961)
5. January 25, 2024Assigned Finance sub: Subcommittee #1
6. January 9, 2024Referred to Committee on Finance
7. January 9, 2024Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/10/24 24101547D