New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A340

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Provides tax credits to restaurant owners to offset increase in State minimum wage rate.

Impact

The implementation of A340 would significantly impact state tax regulations, particularly those affecting restaurant businesses. By allowing tax credits equivalent to the difference between the current minimum wage and the previously established rate, the bill aims to prevent potential layoffs and closures within the restaurant sector, which is particularly sensitive to changes in labor costs. This support is targeted at smaller operators, given the provisions that limit credits to those owning no more than five restaurant locations, encouraging a focus on local businesses.

Summary

Assembly Bill A340 aims to provide tax credits to restaurant owners in New Jersey to help offset the financial burden resulting from the increased state minimum wage rate. The legislation allows restaurant owners to qualify for corporation business tax (CBT) and gross income tax (GIT) credits based on the number of hours worked by employees and the increase in minimum wage requirements since the 2019 changes. This bill intends to alleviate some financial stress on small restaurant operators while ensuring they comply with the state’s labor laws regarding wages.

Contention

While the bill has received support from various stakeholders who argue that it is essential for supporting small businesses during challenging economic times, there remains opposition regarding its fiscal implications. Critics express concern that the credits could burden the state's tax system and ultimately reduce available public funds for other essential services. Moreover, there are discussions around whether these tax incentives effectively address the broader issues of wage increases and cost of living adjustments for employees in the restaurant industry.

Companion Bills

NJ S629

Same As Provides tax credits to restaurant owners to offset increase in State minimum wage rate.

NJ S2836

Carry Over Provides tax credits to restaurant owners to offset increase in State minimum wage rate.

NJ A4493

Carry Over Provides tax credits to restaurant owners to offset increase in State minimum wage rate.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1877

Provides tax credits to restaurant owners to offset increase in State minimum wage rate.

NJ S1852

Provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits to small business employers and farm employers related to increase in State minimum wage.

NJ SB853

Providing for small business minimum wage increase tax credit.

NJ AB895

Personal Income Tax Law: Corporation Tax Law: credits: fast food restaurants.

NJ S2165

"Saving Our Diners and Preserving Our Past (SODA POP) Act"; provides sales and use tax exemption and corporation business and gross income tax credits for historic diners and historic restaurants included in online registry.

NJ A3613

"Saving Our Diners and Preserving Our Past (SODA POP) Act"; provides sales and use tax exemption and corporation business and gross income tax credits for historic diners and historic restaurants included in online registry.

NJ A4024

Directs DOLWD to establish regional farm wage; provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits to farm employers paying certain farm worker wages.

NJ A3616

Provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits to small business employers and farm employers for increases in certain mandatory employer contributions.

NJ S1853

Provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits to small business employers and farm employers for increases in certain mandatory employer contributions.

NJ AB244

Quick-Service Restaurant Young Workforce Apprenticeship Program: tax credits.

Similar Bills

NJ A2654

Gradually reduces CBT rate.

CA AB1687

Driver’s licenses: revocation.

NJ A2660

Reduces CBT rate; retroactive to January 1, 2020.

NJ S953

Eliminates minimum corporation business tax on New Jersey S corporations.

NJ A3193

Eliminates $375 minimum Corporation Business Tax on New Jersey S corporations with New Jersey gross receipts of less than $100,000.

NJ S444

Provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits for purchase of certain hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

NJ A3933

Provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits for purchase of certain hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

KS HB2467

Prohibiting past convictions or sanctions for failure to comply with a traffic citation that are more than five years old from being considered by courts and the division of vehicles in determining suspended or restricted driving privileges and eliminating certain notice requirements for the division of vehicles.