Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

S.1425 - Red Tape Reduction Act of 2025 (119th Congress)

Summary

The Red Tape Reduction Act of 2025 (S.1425) aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 regarding the reporting requirements for third-party settlement organizations. Specifically, it seeks to reinstate the exception for de minimis payments, effectively raising the threshold for reporting third-party network transactions. This means that third-party payment processors like PayPal or Venmo would only be required to report transactions for payees exceeding $10,000 in aggregate amount and 50 transactions.

Expected Effects

The primary effect of this bill would be to reduce the number of 1099-K forms issued to individuals and small businesses for online transactions. This would alleviate the administrative burden on both taxpayers and the IRS. The bill also addresses backup withholding rules to align with the reinstated de minimis exception.

Potential Benefits

  • Reduced Taxpayer Burden: Fewer individuals and small businesses will receive 1099-K forms, simplifying tax filing.
  • Reduced IRS Processing Burden: The IRS will process fewer 1099-K forms, potentially freeing up resources.
  • Clarified Reporting Requirements: The bill clarifies the reporting thresholds for third-party settlement organizations.
  • Alignment with Original Intent: Reinstates the de minimis exception to its pre-American Rescue Plan Act level.
  • Reduced Backup Withholding: Fewer taxpayers will be subject to backup withholding due to the alignment of reporting thresholds.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for Tax Evasion: Raising the reporting threshold could create opportunities for individuals to underreport income.
  • Reduced Tax Revenue: The IRS may collect less tax revenue due to underreporting.
  • Complexity for Some Taxpayers: Some taxpayers may find it more difficult to track their income and expenses without the 1099-K form.
  • Disproportionate Impact: May disproportionately benefit higher-income individuals who use third-party payment platforms for business transactions.
  • Potential for Increased Audits: The IRS may increase audits to compensate for potential underreporting.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes. The bill modifies the tax code, which falls under Congress's enumerated powers. There are no apparent violations of individual rights or liberties as defined in the Bill of Rights.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).