The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders would like veterans to know they may be eligible for an exemption on their income taxes this year.
Military veterans honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active duty by the last day of the tax year are eligible for a $3,000 exemption on their Income Tax return.
Spouses and civil union partners are also eligible for the exemption if they were honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances and are filing a joint return.
“On behalf of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, I would like to pass along the Board’s appreciation and thanks to veterans and their service to our country and all they continue to do in our county,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “I encourage all veterans who qualify for the exemption to obtain the necessary documentation so they can claim it on their returns.”
Veterans seeking to claim the Income Tax exemption must fill in the oval or check the box when completing the returns in order to indicate they will claim the exemption. If it is the first time claiming the exemption, veterans must also submit a DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, with the return.
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi also encouraged veterans to learn more about the new exemption.
“Veterans who need a copy of their DD-214 can visit my office, and my staff will assist in obtaining one,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “There is no charge for this service, and proof of a DD-214 is needed to claim the exemption.”
As part of the effort to assist veterans in Union County, the Freeholder Board created UC-HERO, an initiative of Chairman Bergen for 2016 and 2017. This initiative has assisted veterans with healthcare, recreation, social activities, job opportunities and training, legislative advocacy, and sponsorship of different programs that veterans can utilize throughout the year.
The UC Hero website has all the information a veteran living in Union County would need, including information on home loans, registration, discounts, education, health services and clinics and various loans and forms.
For more information on UC-HERO, please visit ucnj.org/UCHERO or call Janna Williams at 908-527-4918.
For more information on the new Income Tax exemption for veterans, visit state.nj.us/treasury.