Bill > HR1868

This bill aims to provide tax relief and support for U.S. citizens who are unlawfully detained or held hostage abroad by creating new provisions in the Internal Revenue Code. Specifically, the bill establishes that the time period during which a U.S. national is wrongfully detained or held hostage will be disregarded for tax purposes, meaning that any tax deadlines, penalties, interest, or tax-related actions will be paused or adjusted during their detention. The bill defines "applicable individuals" as U.S. nationals who are either unlawfully detained abroad (as determined by the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act) or taken hostage abroad (as determined by the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell). The bill requires the Secretary of State and Attorney General to provide the Treasury Department with lists of such individuals by January 1, 2026, and mandates that the Treasury update its systems to implement these protections. Additionally, the bill creates a program allowing eligible individuals or their families to apply for refunds or abatement of tax penalties and interest incurred during their detention, with an extended timeframe for filing such claims. The legislation covers tax years ending from January 1, 2021, through the date of the bill's enactment, ensuring retroactive relief for affected U.S. nationals and their families.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1868/all-info