By: Rep. Linda Dean Campbell – 11-22
While we still must pass an economic development package this session, the State Auditor has officially certified last year’s state tax revenues and confirmed that $2.941 billion will be refunded to taxpayers per state law since revenues were exceedingly high.
The Baker Administration is responsible for distributing the refunds to taxpayers and has announced that starting in November, checks will be automatically sent to taxpayers via mail or direct deposit.
Each eligible taxpayer is expected to receive a payment roughly equal to 13% of their 2021 personal income tax liability. The final percentage will be determined in late October, after all 2021 tax returns are filed.
For FAQs and a refund estimator, visit mass.gov/62frefunds. A call center is also available to answer questions at 877-677-9727 and will be open Monday through Friday, 9AM-4PM.
These refunds will provide some critical financial relief for residents – but we must do more. It is most disappointing that legislative leaders could not produce a final economic development bill by the end of formal sessions in July.
This bill would have provided support for so many residents, small businesses, and industries that are struggling right now.
This bill would provide even more tax relief for residents by permanently increasing the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, and rental deduction, and by reforming the estate tax.
It would also provide significant investments in community hospitals, housing, workforce supports, small businesses, food security, and more.
In the Merrimack Valley, we need immediate support contained in this bill for Lawrence General Hospital and many other important institutions that we rely on for critical services.
Legislative leaders and Governor Baker must find a way to bring a final economic development bill to the floor for a vote in the coming months.
It is what residents and our communities deserve.
State Representative Linda Dean Campbell represents the cities of Methuen and Haverhill in the State Legislature. She serves as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Advanced IT, the Internet and Cybersecurity. She can be reached at Linda.Campbell@mahouse.gov or (617) 722-2676. ◊