A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The bill creates a temporary tax credit for individuals who lease their main home, known as the Housing COST Act. It allows eligible renters to receive a tax credit based on a percentage of the rent and utilities they pay. The size of the credit depends on how many dependents the taxpayer has, with a maximum credit cap of $4,000 per year. Taxpayers making over $150,000 a year are not eligible for the credit. The bill also sets up a monthly advance payment program so people can get part of the credit throughout the year. Finally, the program ends for tax years starting after December 31, 2034.
Yes· 3 of 15
- Scored +6
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Low-income households who lease their homes receive direct financial support through refundable tax credits and monthly advances.
- Scored +5
Does this cut taxes for middle-income families?
The bill creates a refundable tax credit for renters earning under $150,000, reducing their tax burden.
- Scored +4
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
Young adults are disproportionately renters and will benefit directly from the renter tax credit.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The creation of a new refundable tax credit and advance payment program increases federal expenditures.
- Scored -2
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?
Introducing a new multi-year tax expenditure without offsetting revenue increases federal budget deficits.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Renter Tax Credit (Section 36C): This section provides financial relief to people who lease their primary residence by offering a tax credit on the rent and utilities they pay. This can help everyday folks put money back into their pockets.
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Monthly Advance Payments (Section 7527B): This section allows the government to set up a program where taxpayers can receive the credit in monthly advance payments rather than waiting until the end of the year. This helps families who need immediate, regular help with housing costs.
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Community Outreach (Section 2(e)): This provision requires the Treasury Secretary to run an outreach program to make sure people know they are eligible for the credit. This ensures that hardworking people do not miss out on benefits because they didn't know about them.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Income Cap Limit (Section 36C(b)(3)): This provision blocks any taxpayer whose adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000 from getting the credit. Middle-to-higher income renters living in expensive areas receive zero help under this rule.
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Rent Caps Based on Fair Market Rent (Section 36C(b)(2)): This rule says that the credit cannot take into account rent that goes above 100 percent of the small area fair market rent published by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. If someone's rent is higher than that government limit, they miss out on credit for the extra money they spend.
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Excess Advance Payment Repayment (Section 36C(d)(2)): If a taxpayer receives monthly advance payments that end up being higher than the actual credit they qualify for at the end of the year, their taxes go up by the amount of that excess. This could stick families with an unexpected tax bill they weren't planning for.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Low-income households who lease their homes receive direct financial support through refundable tax credits and monthly advances. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Middle-class families who rent and have an adjusted gross income under $150,000 are eligible for the tax credit. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Young adults are disproportionately renters and will benefit directly from the renter tax credit. Would children be better off under this? — The size of the renter tax credit increases based on the number of dependents a taxpayer has, benefiting families with children. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Middle-aged individuals who rent their primary residence and earn under $150,000 will receive financial relief. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Seniors who rent their homes and meet the income criteria will receive a tax credit for their housing costs. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Urban residents, who are more likely to rent, will benefit from the renter tax credit and fair market rent benchmarks. Would immigrants be better off under this? — Immigrants who rent their homes and qualify under income limits will benefit from the housing cost support. Would women be better off under this? — Single mothers and women who rent homes will benefit from the dependent-based scaling of the renter credit.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make housing cost less? — The bill provides direct financial relief to tenants for rent and utilities, helping offset the cost of housing. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Providing a refundable tax credit and monthly advance payments helps lift low-income renter households out of poverty.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires explicit community outreach and informational programs by the Treasury to ensure eligible taxpayers know about the credit. Does this give the federal government more power? — The legislation expands federal administrative responsibilities via IRS outreach and the management of a new monthly advance payment program.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this cut taxes for middle-income families? — The bill creates a refundable tax credit for renters earning under $150,000, reducing their tax burden. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Putting money back into the pockets of renters through tax credits can increase consumer spending. Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — Introducing a new multi-year tax expenditure without offsetting revenue increases federal budget deficits. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The creation of a new refundable tax credit and advance payment program increases federal expenditures.
- 9/24/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Introduced in House