Del. Senate Advances Tax Relief Bills For Retired Military, Active Fire-EMS

Thousands of retired military service members and Delaware first responders could get relief on their taxes.

One measure passed by the State Senate Tuesday would exclude up to $12,500 worth of military pension income from state tax calculations for all retired service members, regardless of age, starting in 2023.

“Our nation’s retired service members, each of whom bravely and dutifully served this country for 20 years or more, deserve more than just our words of gratitude and appreciation,” State Senator Spiros Mantzavinos, D-Elsmere said. “They deserve a state tax system that respects their sacrifice and gives them the breathing room they need to survive on the retirement benefits they earned through their service to this nation. By increasing the tax exclusion for retired service members, this legislation also will offer those leaving military services in their 30s and 40s an incentive to begin a second career in Delaware.” 

Legislation to double the tax credit available for active volunteer fire companies and EMS services also was approved in the Senate. The Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Task Force recommended the higher tax credit, which will be $1,000.

“The volunteer fire companies that have protected Delawareans for generations have seen a dramatic decline in members in recent years,” State Senator Bruce Ennis, D-Smyrna said. “If we are going to continue asking Delawareans to put their safety on the line for their communities, the least we can do is help provide them with reasonable incentives as a sign of our gratitude and appreciation.” 

Both bills(SS 1 for SB 188 and SB 189 go to the Delaware House of Representatives for consideration.