WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida) today helped introduce legislation that would remove the tax liability from BP claim checks.  The Oil Spill Relief Act of 2010 would exclude compensation that victims receive from BP from being considered as taxable income.  The bill is modeled after similar legislation from 2001 that aided victims of the 9-11 terrorist attacks.

“Many of our friends and neighbors are reeling from a disaster that was completely out of their control.  They are checking their mailboxes and waiting for their BP claims check to arrive to pay for basic necessities and cushion the losses they've experienced as a result of this tragedy,” said Congressman Boyd.  “These victims should be entitled to the full amount provided to them and should not have to set aside a chunk for their next tax return.  This legislation will allow them to fully recoup the damages they’ve experienced without fear of being hit with unnecessary fees down the road.”

More information on the BP oil spill crisis and Congressman Boyd’s efforts to protect North Florida can be found at www.boyd.house.gov/oilspill.