Governor Vilsack plans to ask the Republican-controlled legislature to enact a major change in Iowa tax policy. Vilsack, who’s a democrat, wants to do away with what’s called “federal deductability.” Iowans get to deduct the taxes they’ve paid the feds from their state income tax liability. Under Vilsack’s proposal, Iowans would still pay the same amount of income taxes — and the state income tax form would be less complicated. Twelve lines of calculations would be eliminated. If Vilsack’s idea is approved, the state’s top income tax rate would be six-and-a-half percent. Today, it’s nearly nine percent, but is really lower because federal deductability makes the rate appear higher.As part of his tax plan, Vilsack wants to establish a public referendum so voters decide future tax policy.Vilsack also will push for some business tax credits.Vilsack made his comments during taping of the Iowa Public Television program, “Iowa Press.”
