LaHood Introduces Tax Simplification Bill
- Sangamon County News
- 17 hours ago
- 2 min read
Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, introduced the Tax Administration Simplification Act, this year, a bipartisan effort aimed at making the tax filing and payment process more efficient for American families and small businesses.
LaHood was joined by Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-04), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) in introducing the legislation.
“Part of our work in strengthening the tax code is to find ways to improve tax administration and filing systems being used by millions of Americans,” said Rep. LaHood. “I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Tax Administration Simplification Act, which incorporates commonsense reforms to better streamline the tax filing process for American families, workers, and small businesses. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to make government more effective, efficient, and accountable.”
The legislation builds on recommendations from the National Taxpayer Advocate’s annual "Purple Book" and previous efforts to streamline tax filing. It proposes three key changes to the tax code:
Application of the “mailbox rule” to electronic submissions: Under current law, electronically submitted documents and payments may be considered late if not processed on the same day. The bill would ensure such submissions are recorded as received on the date they are sent.
Extended deadline for S Corporation elections: Many small businesses miss the deadline to elect S Corporation status because it precedes their first income tax return filing deadline. The bill would allow business owners to elect “S” status on their first timely filed return.
Revised estimated tax payment deadlines: Currently, estimated tax payments occur at uneven intervals. The bill would establish quarterly deadlines on April 15, July 15, October 15, and January 15, simplifying payment scheduling for taxpayers.
Supporters of the legislation argue that these changes will reduce administrative burdens and improve efficiency in tax filing. The bill will now be considered by Congress as lawmakers continue discussions on tax policy reforms.