Budget & Taxes (Income Tax)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7969: Excludes certain training stipends for volunteer firefighters from state income tax

Bill A 7969 amends state tax law to exclude certain training stipends received by volunteer firefighters from state income tax. This change applies specifically to training stipends received under section 200-aa of the general municipal law, but only if those stipends are already counted in the firefighter's federal adjusted gross income. The bill aims to reduce the state tax burden for volunteer firefighters receiving these particular training payments.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExcludes firefighter training stipends from state income tax, providing direct tax relief. Aligns with tax relief indicator for middle/lower income groups.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1883: Directs the department of taxation and finance to create and implement an online program which will enable New York state taxpayers to electronically file income tax returns free of charge

Directs the department of taxation and finance to create and implement an online program which will enable each New York state taxpayer to prepare and electronically file such taxpayer's federal and state income tax returns free of charge.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates free online tax filing, reducing taxpayer costs and promoting efficient tax administration, aligning with fiscal responsibility in tax processes.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates free online tax filing, advancing digital access and equity for taxpayers through mandatory state-provided digital service.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5993: Relates to a tax credit for employers who contribute to a college choice tuition savings account on behalf of an employee

This bill creates a tax credit for employers who contribute to employees' college savings accounts. Employers can claim a credit equal to their contribution (up to $5,000 per employee) toward a "family tuition account" established under New York's Education Law. The credit directly reduces the employer's income tax bill for the year, with any unused portion treated as an overpayment refundable without interest. It applies to contributions made on behalf of employees for college tuition savings, not to employee contributions or other account types.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit reducing employer income tax, providing direct tax relief under Budget & Taxes policy framework.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates tax credit for employer contributions to college savings, expanding higher education access and funding through private savings incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6079: Provides a deduction in determining personal income tax for the cost of textbooks at a New York private or public college or university

Provides a deduction in determining personal income tax for the cost of textbooks at a New York private or public college or university by a taxpayer or such taxpayer's eligible dependent; defines "eligible dependent" and "qualified education expenses".

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax deduction for textbook costs, reducing taxable income for students/families, aligning with tax relief for education expenses95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides tax deduction for textbook costs at NY colleges, reducing financial barriers for students and expanding access to higher education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3648: Provides for the installment payment for the earned income credit

This bill changes how the state's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is paid to qualifying low-to-moderate income workers. Instead of receiving the full credit as a single lump sum, taxpayers will receive payments in installments based on the credit amount: under $200 is paid in full at once; $200-$2,400 is paid in $200 monthly installments (plus a final partial payment); and over $2,400 is paid equally over 12 months. The bill directly affects individuals who claim the state EITC or enhanced EITC under existing tax law. It takes effect 120 days after enactment, with the tax commissioner authorized to adjust rules for implementation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill modifies EITC payment structure to provide regular installments for low-income workers, enhancing access to tax credit relief without reducing benefit amounts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3468: Provides for a credit against personal income tax for volunteer firefighters who complete qualifications to become a training instructor

Provides for a credit against personal income tax for volunteer firefighters who complete qualifications to become a training instructor; provides that such credit shall be equal to the sum of five hundred dollars or the total amount of the tax owed by the taxpayer if less than five hundred dollars, whichever is lower.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credit reducing liability for volunteer firefighters - a form of tax relief for public service workers, aligning with fiscal support indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1662: Authorizes a childhood education surcharge on the personal income tax for cities having a population of one million or more persons

This bill allows cities with over 1 million residents (like New York City) to add a 4.3% surcharge on personal income tax for residents earning over $500,000, effective January 2026. It applies to married couples filing jointly, single filers, heads of household, and estates/trusts. All revenue from this surcharge must be used exclusively for early childhood education programs in the city, not general funds. The surcharge expires December 2030, and cities must adopt the local law by December 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill imposes a targeted tax surcharge on high earners to fund early childhood education, directly allocating revenue to a public service program per its exclusive funding requirement.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAuthorizes 4.3% surcharge on high earners to fund early childhood education exclusively, directly increasing targeted education funding per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Income Tax Early Childhood

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 485: Provides a personal income tax credit for parents who home school their children

Provides a personal income tax credit for parents who home school their children equal to the cost of learning materials purchased for home school purposes during the taxable year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credit reducing state tax revenue, aligning with tax relief for parents, supporting fiscal policy for education expenses.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides tax credit for homeschooling materials, reducing costs for parents and expanding educational access options within K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3597: Creates a congestion toll offset tax credit

This bill creates a tax credit for residents of Rockland or Orange counties who pay tolls on the George Washington or Governor Mario M. Cuomo bridges and later enter New York City's congestion toll zone within two hours. The credit equals the toll amount paid, reducing their state income tax liability for that year. Joint filers can combine their individual toll payments to calculate a combined credit. The credit applies immediately to the tax year the bill passes and all future years.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit reducing state income tax liability for qualifying commuters, providing direct tax relief per bill's summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6778: Increases tax free contributions to family tuition accounts

This bill (S 6778) increases New York State's tax-free contribution limits for family tuition accounts under the College Choice Tuition Savings Program. It raises the annual limit from $5,000 to $10,000 for individuals or heads of household, and from $10,000 to $20,000 for married couples filing jointly. The change applies only to state income tax (not federal tax) and is available solely to the account owner. The policy takes effect immediately for the current tax year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax-free contribution limits for state income tax, providing tax relief for families under the College Choice Program.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases tax-free savings limits for tuition accounts, expanding access to education funding options under New York's program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax

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