The New Jersey Senate has approved bipartisan legislation designed to extend state income tax exemptions for spouses of deceased veterans. The bill, sponsored by Senator Carmen F. Amato, Jr. (R-9) and Senator Renee Burgess (D-28), aims to ensure that surviving spouses continue to receive the state’s veterans’ income tax exemption beyond the year of their spouse’s death.
Currently, New Jersey law provides a $6,000 state income tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans. If a veteran passes away, their spouse can only claim this exemption for the taxable year in which they file a joint return with the deceased veteran.
Senator Amato’s bill, S-1927, seeks to change this by allowing spouses of deceased veterans to remain eligible for the exemption in future years unless they remarry.
“Our brave servicemembers make incredible sacrifices, and their spouses stand alongside them every step of the way,” said Sen. Amato. “I’m thankful to Senator Burgess for working with me to make sure spouses of deceased veterans continue to receive the income tax benefits earned through their spouse’s selfless dedication and service to our nation.”
Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf is serving as the prime sponsor and Assemblyman Gregory E. Myhre (both R-9) as co-sponsor of A-1757, the assembly companion bill.
The full text of S-1927 is available online.
