Political Integrity Network
HR 9496 · 119th Congress · House

End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act

In committee
IntroducedJun 29, 2026
Policy areaTaxation
Cosponsors2
What this bill is intended to do

End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act This bill extends certain federal tax deadlines for U.S. nationals who are unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad or held hostage abroad and their spouses. The bill also allows for an abatement and refund of additional taxes, interest, and penalties assessed to such individuals for failing to meet a federal tax deadline during a period of detention. Specifically, under the bill, the time period during which a U.S. national is unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad or held hostage abroad is disregarded in determining certain federal tax deadlines, including deadlines for filing a return for and paying federal income, estate, gift, employment, or excise taxes; a tax credit or refund claim; and the determination, assessment, and collection of additional taxes, interest, or penalties. The bill requires the Department of State and the Department of Justice to annually provide the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with lists to identify U.S. nationals who qualify for an extension. The bill also requires the IRS to (1) abate and refund additional taxes, interest, and penalties assessed for any tax year ending during a period of detention for which an extension of a federal tax deadline is permitted; and (2) establish a program allowing U.S. nationals unlawfully or wrongfully detained abroad or taken hostage abroad (or their spouse or dependent) to claim a refund of additional taxes, interest, and penalties assessed for any tax year ending during a period of detention from 2021 to the bill’s enactment date.

Latest action

Sep 16, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

B74

The End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief for U.S. nationals unlawfully detained or held hostage abroad. It postpones tax deadlines and reimburses penalties for these individuals, ensuring they are not financially penalized due to circumstances beyond their control. The bill outlines clear procedures for identifying eligible individuals and mandates coordination between government departments.

Category gradesMembers of The Quiet Ledger see the full per-category breakdown of how this bill was graded.