Bill > HB1362

This bill establishes the Taxpayer Dividend Program in Pennsylvania, which aims to return a portion of the state's budget surplus directly to taxpayers. The program would provide a one-time payment to resident individuals who filed and paid their state taxes for the 2024 tax year, with each eligible taxpayer receiving up to $1,000. The amount of the dividend will be determined by dividing the total appropriated funds by the number of eligible taxpayers, not to exceed $1,000 per person. The bill notes that the state has accumulated significant surplus funds in both the General Fund and the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund (Rainy Day Fund), with projections showing around $7.49 billion in the reserve fund and $3.2 billion in the General Fund surplus by the end of the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Instead of using these funds for expanded government programs, the legislation proposes returning the money directly to taxpayers. The Department of Revenue will identify eligible taxpayers, and the State Treasurer will distribute payments either by mailed check or direct deposit. The program is limited to the 2025-2026 fiscal year, and the Treasury Department is required to publish a report detailing the total amount paid and number of recipients by March 31, 2026.

Budget and Finance

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1362