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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2948

Bill Overview

HB 2948 (2026) from Missouri seeks to establish a state caregiver tax credit to offset certain costs associated with caregiving. The measure is intended to provide financial relief to individuals who incur qualifying caregiving expenses and to support families or other non-professional caregivers who provide care to qualifying dependents or relatives.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a refundable or nonrefundable caregiver tax credit (the bill text would specify eligibility and credit amount) designed to reduce the after-tax cost of caregiving.
  • Recognize caregiving as a relevant public policy issue by offering direct financial assistance through the tax code.
  • Target costs related to providing care, with the aim of enabling caregivers to manage expense burdens while remaining in caregiving roles.

Key Provisions (as typically included in caregiver tax credit bills)

  • Eligibility: The credit would be available to taxpayers who incur qualifying caregiving expenses for a qualifying individual (often a dependent, parent, spouse, or other relative). The bill would define who qualifies as a caregiver and who counts as a qualifying dependent or recipient of care.
  • Qualifying Expenses: The credit likely covers select costs related to caregiving, such as medical supplies, home health services, transportation for medical appointments, long-term care supports, or other specified caregiving-related expenditures. The bill would set caps or limits on eligible expenses.
  • Credit Amount: The statute would specify the credit percentage or fixed amount and any maximum credit per taxpayer. It may include sliding scales based on income, filing status, or number of dependents.
  • Income Limits and Phase-Ins: If included, the bill may establish income thresholds that affect eligibility or credit amount, potentially reducing the credit for higher earners.
  • Refundability: The legislation would indicate whether the credit is refundable (you receive a refund even if you owe no tax) or nonrefundable (it can only offset tax liability).
  • Coordination with Other Benefits: Provisions may address interactions with other tax credits or healthcare programs to prevent double-dipping or to align with existing supports for caregivers.
  • Compliance and Documentation: Requirements for substantiating expenses (receipts, attestations) and maintaining records for audit or review purposes.
  • Effective Date: The act would specify when the credit can first be claimed (e.g., for tax year 2026 or a later year) and any transitional rules.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Taxpayers who incur qualifying caregiving expenses for eligible recipients.
  • Caregivers: Individuals providing care (which could include family members, spouses, or other relatives acting as caregivers).
  • Dependents/Recipients: Eligible individuals receiving care whose caregiving expenses qualify for the credit.
  • State Revenue Department: Administration, enforcement, and oversight of the tax credit, including guidance, forms, and audits.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduction and First Reading: January 13, 2026.
  • Second Reading: January 14, 2026.
  • Referred to Committee: Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026.
  • Implications: If enacted, taxpayers would begin claiming the credit on applicable Missouri income tax returns in line with the bill’s effective date and any transitional rules.

Potential Impact

  • Financial Relief: Could reduce after-tax costs for households managing caregiving duties.
  • Caregiving Continuity: May encourage family members to continue providing in-home or community-based care by easing financial burdens.
  • Fiscal Considerations: The state would experience a loss of tax revenue proportional to the total value of eligible credits claimed; cost estimates would depend on final credit parameters, eligibility, and uptake.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (general public, policymakers, or stakeholders) or compare it to existing Missouri tax credits for caregiving if related provisions are known.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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