FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 13, 2023
Time Requested: 03:59 PM
Agency: Tax & Revenue Department, WV State
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
1860 Introduced HB2510
CBD Subject: Taxation


FUND(S):

General Revenue Fund

Sources of Revenue:

General Fund

Legislation creates:

Decreases Existing Revenue, Increases Existing Expenses



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


The stated purpose of this bill is to create the Critical Mineral Investment Tax Credit Act of 2023. The bill exempts rare earth elements, critical minerals, and carbon-based products otherwise taxed elsewhere in code. The amount of credit allowable depends upon the cost of the qualified investment property and the number of new jobs created. Property that qualifies for another tax credit in chapter 11 of the West Virginia Code is not eligible for credit under this bill. Similarly, qualified investment property under this bill is not eligible for another credit under chapter 11 of the code. The bill includes rules for administration and enforcement of the credit. If enacted, the credit would apply to qualified investment property placed in service or use at a rare earth element or critical mineral mining or processing facility, or a manufacturing facility that uses rare earth elements or critical minerals in this state. The bill allows for qualified investment. The bill provides for an effective date. Finally, the bill establishes clear legal right to the title of chemical compounds, elements, and substances that are derived from the treatment of acid mine drainage on mined lands. According to our interpretation, this bill creates a ten-year tax credit offsetting Personal Income Tax and Corporation Net Income Tax for qualified taxpayers who invest in rare earth elements and critical minerals. The proposed tax credit is very similar in structure to the existing Economic Opportunity Tax Credit with minor alterations including a variation in new jobs tax credit job percentages, minimum employment requirements, and a provision for a longer period of unused credit carryover (10 years versus 3 years beyond the initial 10-year application period). The proposed credit is allowed for qualified investment property placed in service or use on or after July 1, 2024. The qualified investment property cannot be used to qualify for other existing business tax credits. The bill also requires a Tax Credit Review and Accountability Report regarding the cost effectiveness of this proposed credit every three years beginning on February 1, 2028, which the Tax Commissioner would submit to the Governor, the Senate President, and the House Speaker. Currently, there is no rare earth industry in the State. However, at least one rare earth business is planned for development at this time. Passage of this bill would result in minimal consequences to General Revenue Fund collections in FY2025 and subsequent fiscal years. Additional administrative costs incurred by the State Tax Department would be $20,000 in FY2024 and $5,000 per year in subsequent fiscal years.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2023
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2024
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 20,000 5,000
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 20,000 5,000
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


According to our interpretation, this bill creates a ten-year tax credit offsetting Personal Income Tax and Corporation Net Income Tax for qualified taxpayers who invest in rare earth elements and critical minerals. The proposed tax credit is very similar in structure to the existing Economic Opportunity Tax Credit with minor alterations including a variation in new jobs tax credit job percentages, minimum employment requirements, and a provision for a longer period of unused credit carryover (10 years versus 3 years beyond the initial 10-year application period). The proposed credit is allowed for qualified investment property placed in service or use on or after July 1, 2024. The qualified investment property cannot be used to qualify for other existing business tax credits. The bill also requires a Tax Credit Review and Accountability Report regarding the cost effectiveness of this proposed credit every three years beginning on February 1, 2028, which the Tax Commissioner would submit to the Governor, the Senate President, and the House Speaker. Currently, there is no rare earth industry in the State. However, at least one rare earth business is planned for development at this time. Passage of this bill would result in minimal consequences to General Revenue Fund collections in FY2025 and subsequent fiscal years. Additional administrative costs incurred by the State Tax Department would be $20,000 in FY2024 and $5,000 per year in subsequent fiscal years.



Memorandum






    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Mark Muchow
    Email Address: kerri.r.petry@wv.gov