BOOST Act

Hozzl · 2025-03-06T04:08:26Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1020 BOOST Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on undefined. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/6/2025, 4:08 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1020

Bill 119 hr 1020, also known as the Communications Signal Booster Tax Credit Act, aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a refundable tax credit for the purchase of communications signal boosters in areas with insufficient broadband internet access. The bill is designed to help individuals and businesses in rural or underserved areas improve their internet connectivity by offsetting the cost of signal boosters.

The proposed tax credit would be available to taxpayers who purchase eligible communications signal boosters for personal or business use. The credit would be refundable, meaning that taxpayers could receive a refund even if they do not owe any federal income tax. This provision is intended to make the credit more accessible to low-income individuals and small businesses.

In addition to providing financial assistance for the purchase of signal boosters, the bill also includes provisions for the enforcement of the tax credit and reporting requirements for taxpayers claiming the credit. These measures are designed to ensure that the credit is used appropriately and effectively to improve broadband access in underserved areas. Overall, the Communications Signal Booster Tax Credit Act seeks to address the digital divide by incentivizing the adoption of signal boosters in areas with inadequate broadband internet access. By providing financial support for the purchase of these devices, the bill aims to help bridge the gap in internet connectivity and promote economic development in underserved communities.

Congressional Summary of HR 1020

Broadening Online Opportunities through Simple Technologies Act or the BOOST Act

This bill establishes a new refundable tax credit, through 2029, for expenses paid to purchase a Wi-Fi signal booster for use in a principal residence. (Some limitations apply.)

The bill allows a taxpayer located in an unserved area a one-time, refundable tax credit for 75% (up to $400) of expenses paid to purchase

a communications signal booster (any device that receives a wireless signal or a commercial data service signal in order to increase the strength or range of the signal and in connection with retransmitting a broadband internet access service signal),
any customer premises equipment for use with satellite networks, or
any ground station equipment to send and receive transmissions from satellite networks.

Under the bill, an unserved area is defined as an area eligible for certain funding under the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (generally areas where internet speeds are below 25 megabits per second for downloading and 3 megabits per second for uploading).

Finally, under the bill, the Department of the Treasury is required to issue regulations and guidance on the new tax credit and a program for sellers of signal boosters to voluntarily report sales of such devices in unserved areas.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 1020

Bill HR 1020 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 5, 2025. Bill HR 1020 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 5, 2025. Bill HR 1020's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. as of February 5, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1020

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Total Number of Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1020

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1020

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a refundable credit against tax for the purchase of communications signal boosters in areas with inadequate broadband internet access service, and for other purposes.