Veterans (National Guard & Reserve)

This bill exempts from New Mexico state income tax salaries paid by the U.S. government to residents serving in uniformed services. It directly affects New Mexico residents working in the military (active/reserve army, navy, air force, etc.), Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health Service, NOAA Corps, or state National Guard. The key provision removes state tax liability on these federal salaries for tax returns filed in 2026 and later. The exemption requires taxpayers to report it to the state tax department and is included in official tax expenditure reports.

SB 116 removes the $30,000 annual limit on the income tax exemption for uniformed services retirement pay in New Mexico. It directly affects New Mexico residents who are uniformed services retirees (including military, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, NOAA Corps, or National Guard members) or their surviving spouses. The bill changes the law so that all retirement pay from these services qualifies for the tax exemption, rather than only the first $30,000. This exemption applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2027.