Tax Fairness for Survivors Act
S. 5566118th Congress

Tax Fairness for Survivors Act

Introduced in the SenateSen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)16 sections · 2 min read
Version: Introduced in Senate · Dec 17, 2024

Section 1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the Tax Fairness for Survivors Act.

(a) In general

Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting before section 140 the following new section:

(a) In general

Gross income shall not include any amount received as a judgment, award, or settlement (including back pay, front pay, punitive damages, or any payments made in connection with a release of claims or to resolve, settle, or litigate claims), whether by lump sum or periodic payments, from—

(1) a dispute involving an alleged nonconsensual sexual act or sexual contact, as such terms are defined in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code, or similar applicable Tribal, State, or local law, including when the victim lacks capacity to consent, or

(2) a dispute relating to conduct that is alleged to constitute sexual harassment under applicable Federal, Tribal, State, or local law, including common law claims permitted under Federal, Tribal, State, or local law.

(b) Regulations and guidance

The Secretary shall issue such regulations or other guidance as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out the purposes of this section, including regulations or other guidance to distinguish amounts received in connection with a claim described in subsection (a) from other amounts received as part of a judgment, award, or settlement, such as compensation for services performed.

(b) Social security taxes

Section 3121(a) of such Code is amended by striking or at the end of paragraph (22), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (23) and inserting; or, and by inserting after paragraph (23) the following new paragraph:

(24) any amount received which is excludable from the gross income of the employee under section 139J.

(c) Railroad retirement tax

Section 3231(e) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(13) Amounts received as judgments, awards, and settlements with respect to sexual assault or sexual harassment claims

The term compensation shall not include any amount received which is excludable from the gross income of the employee under section 139J.

(d) Unemployment taxes

Section 3306(b) of such Code is amended by striking or at the end of paragraph (19), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (20) and inserting; or, and by inserting after paragraph (20) the following new paragraph:

(21) any amount received which is excludable from the gross income of the employee under section 139J.

(e) Wage withholding

Section 3401 of such Code is amended by striking or at the end of paragraph (22), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (23) and inserting, or, and by inserting after paragraph (23) the following new paragraph:

(24) any amount received which is excludable from the gross income of the employee under section 139J.

(f) Clerical amendment

The table of sections for part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting before the item relating to section 140 the following new item:

(g) Effective date

The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

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