Single Parent Support Tax Credit Act
The Single Parent Support Tax Credit Act provides substantial refundable tax credits to single parents required to carry pregnancies to term under state laws restricting abortion access. The Act seeks to alleviate financial burdens by offering up to $10,000 annually for the first five years of a child’s life, supporting parental and child health while addressing the economic challenges of single parenthood.
Key Provisions
Tax Credit Amount: Single parents may receive up to $10,000 annually for eligible expenses, with a refundable option for credits exceeding tax liability.
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate they carried pregnancies to term due to state abortion restrictions and are the sole custodial parent.
Administrative Measures: The state tax agency will implement streamlined application and verification processes to ensure program accessibility.
Public Awareness Campaign: A state-run campaign will promote the program and guide eligible individuals through the application process.
Fiscal Oversight: Annual legislative reviews will assess fiscal impacts and make adjustments as necessary.
Model Language
Section 1: Short Title
This Act shall be known as the “Single Parent Support Tax Credit Act.”
Section 2: Findings and Declarations
Single parents often face significant financial challenges associated with raising a child.
State laws mandating pregnancy outcomes increase the financial burden on individuals with limited options.
Tax credits offer direct financial relief, improving outcomes for both parents and children.
Section 3: Definitions
Single Parent: An individual who is unmarried, not cohabiting with a partner, and has legal and physical custody of a child.
Required Pregnancy: A pregnancy carried to term due to state laws prohibiting or restricting access to abortion services.
Eligible Expenses: Costs incurred for prenatal care, childbirth, postnatal care, and child-rearing, including medical expenses, childcare, and basic necessities.
Section 4: Tax Credit Provisions
Eligibility:
Single parents who carried pregnancies to term under state laws restricting abortion access are eligible.
Proof of eligibility may include medical documentation, state law documentation, or other verifiable evidence.
Amount of Credit: Eligible single parents shall receive a refundable tax credit of up to [$10,000] annually for the first five years of the child’s life.
Use of Credit: The credit may be applied to reduce tax liability or received as a direct refund if tax liability is lower than the credit amount.
Section 5: Administration and Verification
Application Process: The state tax agency shall establish a streamlined process for applying for the credit, including required documentation.
Verification: Applications will be reviewed to ensure compliance with eligibility criteria. False claims are subject to penalties.
Section 6: Public Awareness Campaign: The state shall develop and implement a public awareness campaign to inform eligible individuals about the availability of the tax credit and application process.
Section 7: Funding and Fiscal Responsibility
Funding Allocation: The state shall allocate sufficient resources to administer the tax credit program effectively.
Fiscal Review: The legislature shall conduct an annual review of the program’s fiscal impact and adjust credit amounts or eligibility criteria as needed.
Section 8: Sunset Provision: This Act shall remain in effect until [December 31, 2030], unless extended or amended by the legislature.
Section 9: Severability: If any provision of this Act is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.