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Bill

HB 979

Taxation provisions; increases standard deduction.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Vivian Watts

Virginia bill increases standard income tax deduction, reducing state tax liability for residents but cutting state revenue without identified offsetting funding sources.

Assigned HFIN sub: Subcommittee #3
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Bill Summary · HB 979

Legislative bill overview

HB 979 increases the standard deduction for Virginia state income tax purposes. The bill was introduced by Delegate Vivian Watts and is currently under review by the House Finance Committee's Subcommittee #3. The specific dollar amount of the increase is not detailed in the available legislative history.

Why is this important

A higher standard deduction reduces taxable income for individuals, potentially lowering state income tax liability for taxpayers who claim the standard deduction rather than itemizing deductions. This affects state revenue and impacts Virginia residents across different income levels, with broader effects on the state budget and spending priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Increasing the standard deduction reduces state tax revenue, requiring either budget cuts elsewhere or alternative revenue sources
  • Distributional equity: Higher standard deductions primarily benefit taxpayers who claim them; effects vary by income level and may disproportionately help higher-income filers
  • Inflation adjustment mechanism: Unclear whether the increase is one-time or includes automatic adjustments for inflation, affecting long-term fiscal planning

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

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