H.R. 9496, the End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, passed both the House and Senate on September 30, 2026.
H.R. 9496 — End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act
What it does
This bill prevents the IRS from charging tax penalties, interest, or late fees to American citizens who were held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad during the period they were detained. It also creates a program to refund or cancel any such penalties already paid by hostages or their spouses going back to January 1, 2021.
Quorum's transparency scan found no buried provisions in End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act.
What happens next
H.R. 9496 passed both the House and Senate. It now goes to the President.
Who is behind it
Filed by Claudia Tenney. Cosponsored by Dina Titus and Donald Beyer.
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