HB 7695 creates tax exemptions for property, tangible personal property, sales, and use taxes to incentivize the establishment of qualified data centers in Rhode Island. It directly affects developers and operators of data centers that meet specific criteria defined in the bill. The key mechanism is granting these tax exemptions for eligible costs related to constructing or operating qualifying facilities, including equipment and infrastructure. This policy change reduces financial barriers for data center projects by lowering their operational tax burden.
Creates the interchange fee restriction act prohibiting interchange fees on sales and use tax or excise tax when payment is made with a credit or debit card.
SB 2453 allows cities and towns to create programs waiving interest on overdue property taxes for commercial properties. To qualify, taxpayers must own the commercial property for five years, provide written proof of timely tax payments for five years, and request the waiver within two years of the overdue bill. The waiver is capped at $500 per request, and local tax collectors must issue written decisions with appeal options to city councils. This bill enables local governments to adopt ordinances implementing this relief, directly affecting commercial property owners who fall behind on quarterly tax payments.
HB 7807 exempts meals served in licensed childcare centers from Rhode Island's sales and use taxes. This bill amends the state tax code to explicitly include licensed childcare centers alongside schools and educational institutions in the existing exemption for meals served to students or teachers. The change directly affects licensed childcare centers by removing a sales tax burden on meals provided to their enrolled children or staff. This policy update clarifies and expands current tax exemptions without altering tax rates or creating new administrative requirements.
Permits every municipality in the state to offer a homestead tax exemption of up to 20% of assessed value on residential properties, and also provides that municipalities that grant greater exemptions not be limited by this section.
Expands the definition of “book or other writing” to sales up to one thousand five hundred (1,500) copies and deny the sales tax exemption for third-party sales.
Exempts certain urban and small farmers from sales taxes, real, tangible and personal property taxes and income taxes. This act would also define urban and small farmers and urban farmland.
Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under eight thousand eight hundred pounds (8,800 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.
SB 2372 eliminates the sales tax on taxi services (including limousines and ride-hailing services) and pet care services (like grooming or boarding) in Rhode Island. This change directly affects businesses providing these services, removing their obligation to collect and remit sales tax on those specific offerings. The bill amends tax definitions to explicitly exclude these services from the list of taxable activities under Rhode Island's sales tax code. The policy change takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage.
Authorizes a municipality to adopt by local ordinance, a veterans' property tax exemption to any veteran, who was honorably discharged, or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, regardless of dates or periods of service.
