Freeholders Announce 'Leave No Veteran Behind' Campaign

Hunterdon County’s Freeholder Board leaders, Shaun C. Van Doren and Susan J. Soloway, were joined by County Veterans, at the Historic Courthouse in Flemington, to announce a ‘Leave No Veteran Behind’ campaign, reminding all Veterans that the Veterans Exemption has doubled to $6,000, when filing their 2019 state tax returns.

Freeholder Board Director Van Doren said, “Making Veterans aware of the tax exemption, earned by their service to our nation, is a priority for the Freeholders. Now that the exemption has doubled to $6,000, it is more important than ever to spread the word to our Veteran friends, neighbors, and family members.”

“It is most important to note that unlike many other Veterans benefits, the state income tax exemption is available for all Veterans, no matter when or where they served,” Van Doren added.

The Board’s Deputy Director, Sue Soloway, who is also the Veterans Liaison, said, “This increased benefit can make a substantial difference for so many Veterans, whether they are just returning from service or served in the past. Making Veterans aware of this exemption early in the new year allows them to gather the necessary paperwork and claim their full exemption.”

Van Doren and Soloway were joined by Vietnam Veterans Joseph H. Becker, Bruce Pierson and Theodore ‘T.C.’ Landers, U.S. Army members, and Kevin Cahalan, U.S. Marine and Purple Heart recipient, to kick off the Leave No Veteran Behind campaign.

The Freeholders said notices and posters will be forwarded to the various Veterans’ organizations around the County for distribution and posting. Information on the tax exemption will also be included in an upcoming County Veterans Newsletter and is available from the County’s Veteran Services Officer (VSO) Rich Booth by calling 908-788-1361 or emailing rbooth@co.hunterdon.nj.us.

Veterans are advised that when filing for the exemption for the first time, they are required to provide a copy of the Certificate of Release, Form DD-214, or Discharge from Active Duty, with their tax return, to claim the exemption.

Veterans who have filed for the tax exemption in previous years do not need to file a Form DD-214 again.

Veterans who need help obtaining a DD-214 Form, can contact Rich Booth, Hunterdon County VSO or the National Archives for a free copy. You can visit the National Archives website by copying and pasting this into your web browser: www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records or call them directly: (866) 272-6272.

For any questions regarding this exemption, please call the NJ Division of Taxation. They can be reached at (800) 323-4400 or (609) 826-4400.