House Bill No. 5292 proposes to exempt sales of tangible personal property or services to federally tax-exempt veterans' organizations, specifically those classified under Section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code, from state sales and use taxes. This bill amends subdivision (8) of section 12-412 of the general statutes by repealing the existing language that only includes organizations under 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(13), and adds 501(c)(19) to the list of exempt organizations. To qualify for this exemption, the veterans' organizations must provide the retailer with a copy of the U.S. Treasury Department determination letter and a certificate confirming that the purchases will be used exclusively for the organization's established purposes.
The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, and will apply to sales occurring on or after that date. It is estimated that this exemption will result in a revenue loss of approximately $750,000 in FY 27 and $1 million annually thereafter, affecting various state funds, including the General Fund and the Special Transportation Fund. The legislation aims to support the approximately 250 veterans' organizations in the state by alleviating their tax burden on necessary purchases.