Budget & Taxes (Income Tax)

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 141 to define terms; establish a nonrefundable income tax credit for an employer that hires an eligible employee who holds a certificate of employability; provide that the credit is equal to the amount of wages paid to the eligible employee subject to certain limitations; amend KRS 141.0205 to order the credit; amend KRS 131.190 to allow the Department of Revenue to report on the credit.

Amend KRS 141.071 and 141.072 to sunset the option to contribute to a political party from an individual's tax liability, effective for taxable years beginning January 1, 2026; amend KRS 121.180 and 121.230 to make conforming changes, repeal KRS 141.073, relating to rules and regulations for the administration of KRS 141.071 and 141.072.

HB 82 modifies Kentucky's tax code to exclude capital gains and capital losses from the sale or exchange of currency (like foreign coins) or bullion (precious metals) from taxable income. This change directly affects Kentucky residents and businesses that buy, sell, or trade physical currency or precious metals, such as gold or silver coins. The bill amends Section 141.019 of Kentucky law to implement this exclusion, effective for tax years starting January 1, 2027. It removes these transactions from state income tax calculations, aligning Kentucky's treatment with federal rules for such sales.