Committee Approves Bills to Help Service Members

Would change tax code to help those serving overseas

The Senate Finance Committee recently considered and approved four bills that would provide tax code changes for Pennsylvanians serving in the military and to employers who hire "citizen-soldiers," according to Committee Chairman Senator Pat Browne.

"We must never forget the thousands of Pennsylvanians who are now serving around the world," Senator Browne said. "It is not easy for them to put aside their civilian lives and leave their families, yet they do, and they serve with honor. These proposed changes to Pennsylvania's tax codes are a way that we can show our deepest appreciation for their service."

Senate Bill 143 would exempt military personnel on active duty outside this Commonwealth from occupational assessment, per capita, poll or other similar taxes.

Senate Bill 172 would relieve members of the United States Armed Forces and civilians serving in the Persian Gulf area or in support of the armed forces from certain local tax filing deadlines.

Active duty personnel and their spouses would have the legal deadline for the filing of any tax return extended until 180 days following the date of the return of that resident to the United States or prior duty station; release from active duty; or, release from a military or veterans' hospital in the case of a service-connected injury.

Civilians serving in support of the United States Armed Forces in a combat zone and their spouses would have the filing deadline extended until the date 180 days from the date of return of that employee to this Commonwealth or the date designated by Presidential Executive order as the date of termination of combative activities in the combat zone, whichever occurs first.

Senate Bill 188 provides for an extension of exemption from payment of real estate taxes to the surviving spouse of a veteran who was killed or missing in action, provided that the State Veterans' Commission determines that such spouse is in need of an exemption.

Senate Bill 330 would amend the Tax Reform Code of 1971 to provide a tax credit for employers of members of a reserve component of the armed forces.

Under the bill, employers would receive a $1,000 tax credit for every new hire or re-enlisting employee who is a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Pennsylvania National Guard Reserves, or any reserve component of the armed forces. The tax credit could be used toward the employer's personal income tax, corporate net income tax, or capital stock and franchise tax and could be carried forward for a period of three years.

Contact:

Stacey Connors
(717) 787-1349