Officials say the $3,000 income tax exemption is available to all veterans who were honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces.
With tax season in full swing, Burlington County Freeholder Director Kate Gibbs, County Clerk Tim Tyler and the County’s Department of Military and Veteran’s Services are joining forces in a public information campaign to remind veterans that they are eligible for a $3,000 exemption when filing their New Jersey income tax forms for 2017.
“Burlington County is home to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and more military personnel than any other county in the state,” Gibbs said. “The least we can do for all of the men and women who served this great country with honor is to ensure that they are aware and take advantage of all the benefits afforded to them.”
According to officials, the $3,000 income tax exemption is available to all veterans who were honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, regardless of their income status or any other benefits they collect.
In order to receive the exemption, officials say a veteran must send in a copy of their Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214, with their tax return. The Division of Taxation cannot approve the exemption until receiving honorably discharged paperwork.
“We as a community owe so much to all those who have served in uniform. Assisting veterans with recording their discharge paperwork and providing a certified copy free of charge is one of the many services offered by my office,” Tyler said. “I am proud to take part in this effort to make sure all of the veterans in Burlington County don’t miss out on this exemption they should receive.”
According to officials, posters and informational fliers with step-by-step directions on how to claim the $3,000 benefit are available at the Burlington County Administration Building, County Human Services Building, the County Clerk’s Office and County Corner at the Moorestown Mall, and the Burlington County Library including its branch locations in Bordentown, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Maple Shade, Pemberton, Pinelands and Riverton.
Additionally, officials say the County’s Department of Military and Veteran’s Services is working alongside local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts so that no veteran misses out on the exemption. The county’s veteran’s office helped local veterans and their families obtain nearly $28 million dollars in benefits in the last two years.
“It is our hope that through this public information campaign, every single one of our veterans will become aware of this tax exemption and none will miss out!” Gibbs said.
