Garden State Times

The Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee has moved forward with a bipartisan bill aimed at extending tax benefits to the spouses of deceased veterans. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Carmen Amato, Jr. (R-9) and Senator Renee Burgess (D-28), seeks to extend the veteran’s gross income tax exemption beyond the current limitations.

Senator Amato emphasized the importance of supporting military families: “Our brave servicemembers make incredible sacrifices, and their spouses stand alongside them every step of the way,” he said. “Spouses of deceased veterans should not lose access to valuable tax relief simply because their loved one is gone. This legislation would ensure they continue to receive the income tax benefits earned through their spouse’s selfless dedication and service to our nation.”

Under existing law, honorably discharged veterans are eligible for a $6,000 state income tax exemption. However, if a veteran passes away, their spouse can only claim this exemption for that taxable year when filing jointly.

The proposed bill, S-1927, would allow these spouses to continue receiving the state income tax exemption in subsequent years unless they remarry.

Assemblyman Brian Rumpf (R-9) is backing a similar version of this bill in the Assembly under A-1757. This version is currently pending a vote in the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.