Lawmakers Tout Plan to End Duplicative Vehicle Taxes for Returning Members of the Military

Assemblyman Colton (D-Brooklyn) was joined by Senator John DeFrancisco (R-Syracuse), Assemblyman Will Barclay (R-Pulaski), and other lawmakers, to call attention to a pressing matter facing members of the military as they return home.

Under current law, New York residents who purchase a vehicle outside of the state are required to pay sales and use tax upon registering the vehicle. Military service members often keep their residency and driver’s license in their home state while serving because of their intention to someday return. Unfortunately, in keeping residency in New York, service members upon return are subject to paying New York’s sales and use tax on a vehicle they purchased while stationed outside the state. This means that a newly discharged veteran is faced with paying these taxes twice, regardless of whether or not they can prove that he or she already paid them.

Assemblyman Colton, Senator DeFrancisco, and Assemblyman Barclay, have introduced a bill (A.6223/S.4170) that would exempt members of the military from having to pay these taxes twice.

“Our men and women of the military volunteered to enter the armed services because of their love and dedication to our country and values,” said Assemblyman Colton. “We send them to bases in other states to train and then overseas to risk life and limb on our behalf. They should not be faced with daunting tax bills upon their return to their home state. Members of the military already have enough challenges settling back into civilian life and finding a job. New York State shouldn’t make it harder than it already is.”

“The men and women who protect our country make tremendous sacrifices when they serve, and when they return to civilian life they face many challenges. We have a responsibility to show them our gratitude by making their homecoming as easy as possible,” said Senator John A. DeFrancisco, who is a U.S. Air Force Veteran. “We should provide some small benefit for the selfless service and the sacrifice of the families of returning service members.”

Assemblyman Barclay said, “I'm pleased to work with Assemblyman Colton on this bill. Unfortunately, in my district, I have heard of too many cases where military members return back to New York only to learn they are required to pay sales tax on a vehicle that they already paid in another state due to this law. Transitioning from military life to civilian life is difficult. We should welcome and be thankful that these individuals and their families return back to New York State after their service. The least we can do is to fix this inequity in the law so they do not have to pay sales tax twice on a vehicle they purchased out of state during their time in military service. I'm happy to work with my colleagues in Albany to move this initiative ahead.”