This bill amends New Jersey's tax law to extend the gross income tax exemption currently available to veterans to their spouses following the veteran's death. Specifically, it allows the spouse of a deceased veteran to claim a $6,000 exemption from gross income starting in the taxable year after the veteran's death and continuing until the spouse remarries. This provision is contingent upon the veteran having been eligible for the exemption in the year they passed away.
The current law permits veterans to claim this exemption, but it does not extend this benefit to their spouses beyond the year of the veteran's death. The proposed change aims to provide ongoing financial support to the surviving spouses of veterans, recognizing their sacrifices and the challenges they may face after losing their partner. The bill is set to take effect immediately and will apply to taxable years beginning on January 1 following its enactment.