Income taxes: exclusion: turf removal water conservation program.

The Personal Income Tax Law and the Corporation Tax Law, in conformity with federal income tax law, generally defines "gross income" as income from whatever source derived, except as specifically excluded, and provides various exclusions from gross income. Existing law, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2014, and before January 1, 2019, excludes from gross income under both laws any amount received as a rebate, voucher, or other financial incentive issued by a local water agency or supplier for participation in a turf removal water conservation program. Existing law limits the collection and use of taxpayer information and provides that any unauthorized use of this information is punishable as a misdemeanor. This bill would extend the operative date of the provisions excluding from gross income specified amounts received in a turf removal water conservation program to taxable years beginning before January 1, 2024. The bill would require the Department of Finance to include an analysis of these exclusions in its annual tax expenditure report provided to the Legislature and further provides that taxpayer information collected pursuant to this requirement is subject to the limitation on the collection and use of that information. By expanding the scope of a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. This bill would take effect immediately as a tax levy.