Provides retirement income exclusion under gross income tax for certain persons with income over $3,000 from part-time employment.
Impact
If enacted, S879 will modify the existing income exclusion regulations for gross income tax in New Jersey. Current law restricts the amount of retirement income that can be excluded from taxation, especially for individuals whose income surpasses $3,000 from part-time work. By allowing these taxpayers to benefit from a retirement income exclusion without being penalized for part-time employment, this bill is likely to enhance the financial well-being of low- to middle-income retirees, potentially encouraging more seniors to engage in part-time work.
Summary
Senate Bill S879 aims to provide special tax exclusions for retirement income under the gross income tax for individuals aged 62 and older who earn income through part-time employment. The bill is designed to support senior citizens who may want to supplement their retirement income through part-time work without facing significant tax burdens. Specifically, the bill allows taxpayers who qualify based on income thresholds to exclude a portion of their retirement income even if they earn above the previous limits for part-time work, subject to certain conditions.
Contention
While the intent of S879 is to aid senior citizens, there may be points of contention surrounding the bill. Some critics might argue that providing exemptions could strain the state's revenue. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding the complexity it introduces into the tax code, as senior citizens may already have various income sources. Balancing appropriate tax relief for seniors with the need for state revenue maintenance will likely be a significant consideration in discussions surrounding the bill.
Expands eligibility for pension and retirement income tax exclusion to taxpayers with incomes exceeding $150,000, and increases amount of exclusion that qualifying taxpayers may claim.