In March, the Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act of 2017 (S. 540) was introduced in the U.S. Senate. And in June, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the companion bill, H.R. 1393. Washington State U.S. Representative Denny Heck was an active proponent of the bill (Mobile Workforce Legislation Passes U.S. House, with Backing of Representative Heck).

AICPA Communications and Public Relations Senior Manager, Lindsay Patterson, discusses what the Mobile Workforce bill would accomplish if passed and an update on where the bill currently is in the legislative process.

Mobile Workforce Legislative Update Transcript

Ashley: Today I wanted to talk about the Mobile Workforce State Income Simplification Act of 2017. It was introduced earlier this year in Congress and, I believe in the House, that version had about fifty cosponsors, so, could you tell us what the Mobile Workforce Bill will accomplish if passed?

What will the Mobile Workforce bill accomplish if passed?

Lindsay: Yes, the Mobile Workforce Bill would create a nationwide, uniform standard for state income tax reporting. Right now, several states have different laws and regulations related to how you might report state income tax for non-residents.

Some states for example say that if I come in as a non-resident and I work in that state for even one day, that my earnings are now subject to state income tax withholding and reporting.

What this bill would do is say, no, nationwide, in every single state, income is only subject to state income tax withholding if you’re physically present in that state for thirty days or more.

Are there any updates regarding the passage of the bill?

Ashley: Do you have any updates regarding the passage of the bill?

Lindsay: Yes, we have some really good news this year, the bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives in June and right now in the Senate, the AICPA and state CPA societies are working together to generate more support and get more cosponsors.

Ashley: Thank you.

Lindsay: Thank you.