Platts Introduces Legislation Seeking Tax Fairness for Americans

Washington, D.C. - Today Congressman Todd Platts (PA-19) introduced two bills aimed at instilling greater equity in the federal tax code. Both bills would readjust the tax code to allow private citizens to use the same standards used for business tax deductions when claiming deductions for certain activities.

H.R. 5228 would allow taxpayers to fully deduct the cost of meals and lodging incurred in connection with traveling for health care treatment. H.R. 5228 would allow taxpayers who are traveling in order to receive critically important medical care for themselves or their family members to deduct lodging and meal expenses related to that travel at the same rate as is deducted for business travel. Currently, taxpayers traveling for medical care may not deduct the cost of their meals and may deduct only $50 for lodging—a gross inequity when compared to the deduction rate for business travel which allows business travelers to deduct for both meals and lodging any amount which is “not lavish or extravagant under the circumstances.”

“Many individuals and families incur significant expense for lodging and meals when they must travel great distances to receive critically needed health care treatment,” asserts Congressman Platts. “Their travel is not done for leisure, but rather to regain or preserve their health. H.R.5228 would make the tax deduction rate more fair and compassionate for people who are traveling for health care purposes, often in situations of great distress.”

In a similar way, Congressman Platts' second piece of legislation, H.R. 5229, would increase the reimbursement rate that an individual may deduct from their income taxes for the cost of driving for charitable purposes to match the standard mileage rate allowed for business purposes. Currently, taxpayers are only reimbursed at the rate of 14 cents per mile when they drive for charitable purposes, compared to the variable rate of 36.5 cents per mile for business travel.

“As Americans respond to President Bush's call for volunteerism, it is important that we recognize the professional quality service of our Nation's volunteers,” says Congressman Platts. “This legislation shows our Nation's volunteer work force that we value their efforts as much as we value the work of paid employees. H.R. 5229 provides for greater equity between charities and for-profit businesses and rewards those Good Samaritans in our society who generously help the less fortunate.”

Congressman Platts drafted and introduced H.R. 5228 and H.R. 5229 in response to specific concerns raised by constituents in the 19th District. The introduction of these two bills come on the heels of Congressman Platts' introduction of the Heritage Homes Act last week—a bill offering tax incentives to those who purchase homes that more than 50 years old in an effort to reduce the spread of suburban sprawl and promote urban renewal.

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