Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7698

Introduced
2/11/26  

Caption

Provides a tax credit for food donations by qualified taxpayers to nonprofit organizations up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) per year.

Impact

The enactment of this bill would amend Title 44 of the General Laws concerning taxation in Rhode Island. By introducing a structured tax credit mechanism, it aims to mitigate financial barriers for businesses that contribute food, thus fostering greater corporate social responsibility and potentially reducing food waste. The encouragement of food donations by commercial entities can have positive implications for food security within communities, as nonprofits could benefit from increased quantities of donated food.

Summary

House Bill 7698 proposes a tax credit for businesses that donate food to nonprofit organizations, aiming to encourage food donation towards assisting those in need. Specifically, the bill allows qualified taxpayers to claim a credit amounting to 75% of the fair market value of the apparently wholesome food donated, up to a maximum of $5,000 per year. This initiative is framed within the context of promoting food assistance to individuals who require support and is structured to be effective starting January 1, 2027.

Contention

However, there may be points of contention surrounding this bill. Critics may raise concerns about the impacts on small businesses which may find the process of documenting food donation and claiming tax credits cumbersome. Additionally, ensuring that food donations meet safety standards could create a burden on donors. Questions regarding the definition of 'apparently wholesome food' and whether the criteria for tax credit eligibility are too broad or restrictive may also prompt debate among lawmakers.

Notable_points

Another notable aspect of HB 7698 is the requirement for nonprofit organizations to provide a certificate of donation, which helps assure compliance with the bill’s provisions regarding the acceptable condition of donated food items. This fosters transparency and supports the correct allocation of the tax credits among qualified taxpayers. The bill could serve as a legislative framework that aligns economic incentives with social welfare goals, though its implementation and administrative processes will need to be closely monitored.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5404

Provides a tax credit for food donations by qualified taxpayers to nonprofit organizations up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) per year.

RI S0447

Establishes a child tax credit of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per dependent.

RI H6072

Establishes a child tax credit of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per dependent.

RI H6008

Allows an income tax credit for employer contributions to an eligible employee's ABLE account, for a maximum credit of two thousand dollars ($2,000) per employee, per year.

RI S0027

Increases the income range up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and tax credit up to eight hundred fifty dollars ($850), for elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes.

RI H5309

Increases the minimum veterans’ exemption from one thousand dollars ($1,000) to six thousand dollars ($6,000) with respect to municipal taxes.

RI H6257

Provides for an additional real estate conveyance tax for commercial properties sold in excess of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) at a rate of three dollars and thirteen cents ($3.13) for each five hundred dollars.

RI H5218

Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750), per ear, for all people regardless of age effective January 1, 2026.

RI S0120

Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750), per ear, for all people regardless of age effective January 1, 2026.

RI S0783

Increases the threshold limit for charitable organizations with an annual gross income of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) to one million dollars ($1,000,000) or more.

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