Bills · HR 1868
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1868Taxation
Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act of 2025
INTRO MAR 5· LAST ACTION MAR 5
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
14BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a specific, severe hardship faced by U.S. citizens and their families. When an American is held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, their families are often under immense emotional and financial strain, dealing with legal fees, advocacy efforts, and the uncertainty of their loved one's situation. Adding federal tax penalties or interest to this burden can create unnecessary stress and financial difficulty.
If this bill becomes law, it provides a layer of protection, ensuring that the U.S. tax system doesn't unintentionally penalize individuals during one of the most challenging times of their lives. Without this bill, these individuals and their families could still face penalties for missed tax deadlines, adding a cruel financial consequence to an already devastating human rights issue. It acknowledges that unique circumstances warrant special consideration within the tax code, demonstrating governmental support for these victims.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Postpones tax deadlines and waives penalties for U.S. nationals unlawfully detained or held hostage abroad.
This prevents victims and their families from facing additional financial burdens and stress related to their tax obligations during a crisis.
PROVISION 02
Extends these tax benefits to the spouse of the unlawfully detained or held hostage individual.
This ensures that the entire family unit is protected from financial penalties during a time of extreme difficulty.
PROVISION 03
Mandates the Treasury Department to refund or abate any penalties or interest already paid by these individuals or their families.
This offers retroactive relief, correcting past financial penalties imposed before their specific circumstances were recognized.
PROVISION 04
Requires the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to provide lists of affected individuals to the Treasury Department.
This creates a clear mechanism for identifying eligible individuals, ensuring that the tax relief is applied appropriately and efficiently.
PROVISION 05
Directs the Treasury to establish a program for refunds and update its internal systems to implement these new rules.
This ensures the practical execution of the bill's provisions, making the tax relief accessible to those who qualify.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 14
R· Arkansas
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
33
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 85%
DEM 8 REP 6 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 5
Introduced in House
MAR 5
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1868
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 5, 2025
Last actionMar 5, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 5, 2025
House BillHR 1868Taxation
Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act of 2025
INTRODUCED MAR 5, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 5, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
7 min
COSPONSORS
14
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
