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BNA Fairness Act

2/21/2025, 1:53 PM

Summary of Bill HR 715

Bill 119 HR 715, also known as the Basic Needs Allowance for Members of the Armed Forces Act, aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude the basic needs allowance of members of the Armed Forces from their gross income. This allowance is provided to military personnel to cover essential living expenses such as food, clothing, and housing.

The bill seeks to recognize the unique financial challenges faced by members of the Armed Forces and ensure that their basic needs allowance is not subject to taxation. By excluding this allowance from gross income, military personnel will be able to keep more of their hard-earned money and better provide for themselves and their families.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is a way to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces and help alleviate some of the financial burdens they face. Critics, however, may raise concerns about the potential impact on tax revenue and the overall fairness of the tax system. Overall, Bill 119 HR 715 aims to provide much-needed financial relief to members of the Armed Forces by excluding their basic needs allowance from gross income, ultimately helping to improve their financial well-being.

Congressional Summary of HR 715

BNA Fairness Act

This bill excludes from gross income (for federal income tax purposes) the basic needs allowance received by eligible members of the Armed Forces.

Under current law, members of the Armed Forces may be eligible to receive the basic needs allowance (additional monthly payment) if (1) they have completed initial training, (2) they have at least one dependent, and (3) their total household income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level (based on the location and number of individuals in the household). Further, under current law, certain qualified military benefits may be excluded from gross income. However, the basic needs allowance is not included within the definition of qualified military benefits and must be included in gross income for federal tax purposes.

Under the bill, the definition of qualified military benefits that may be excluded from gross income is expanded to include the basic needs allowance.

Current Status of Bill HR 715

Bill HR 715 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 23, 2025. Bill HR 715 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 23, 2025.  Bill HR 715's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. as of January 23, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 715

Total Number of Sponsors
4
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
4
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
9
Democrat Cosponsors
3
Republican Cosponsors
6
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 715

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 715

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income the basic needs allowance of members of the Armed Forces.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income the basic needs allowance of members of the Armed Forces.

Comments

Leo Bailey profile image

Leo Bailey

721

1 year ago

I don't get why they're trying to change this. Seems like it could be a good thing for our military members. How will this impact their families though? #confused

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 715

Steve Womack
Steve Womack
ArkansasRepublican
Robert J. Wittman
Robert J. Wittman
VirginiaRepublican
Seth Moulton
Seth Moulton
MassachusettsDemocrat
Brian J. Mast
Brian J. Mast
FloridaRepublican
Mark E. Amodei
Mark E. Amodei
NevadaRepublican
Michael R. Turner
Michael R. Turner
OhioRepublican

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