This bill amends New Jersey tax law to extend eligibility for certain gross income tax exemptions to veterans of all branches of the Uniformed Services of the United States. Currently, only veterans honorably discharged from the Armed Forces, reserve components, or the National Guard in federal active duty status qualify for a $6,000 exemption from their New Jersey gross income. The bill broadens this definition to include veterans from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), recognizing their service and contributions alongside traditional military branches.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing legal language by replacing references to the "Armed Forces" with "Uniformed Services of the United States" in both the exemption for veterans and the exclusion of military pension payments from gross income. This change aligns the state's tax code with federal definitions and acknowledges the diverse roles played by all service members in defending the nation. The bill is set to take effect immediately and will apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1 of the year following its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 54A:6-26