Ag Tax Breaks Move through Legislature…

The Idaho House tax committee has approved a bill that matches Idaho's tax code with new federal rules allowing businesses and farmers to write off new equipment. Lawmakers estimate the move will cost the budget $10 million this fiscal year and another $10 million in fiscal 2012. The House Revenue and Tax Committee approved the bill 17-1 and sent it immediately to a vote on the House floor. The provision would give businesses the option of immediately writing off up to $500,000 in new equipment rather than depreciating the value over several years. The committee opted not to conform to a separate tax code provision that would have cost another $50 million combined this year and in 2012.