Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) announced today that a new law will end a duplicative sales tax for members of the military. Barclay co-sponsored the measure in a bipartisan effort with Assemblyman Colton this spring. Sen. John DeFrancisco (R-Syracuse) sponsored the bill in the Senate. The Governor signed this bill into law recently.

Assembly bill 6223 exempts members of the military upon returning to New York from having to pay New York sales tax on vehicles that they purchased while stationed in another state--provided that they paid sales tax in the other state. It becomes effective immediately.

New York residents who purchase a vehicle outside of New York State are required to pay sales tax upon registering the vehicle. For those who served in the military, this proved problematic. Military service members often keep their residency and driver license in their home state while serving because they intend to someday return to their home state. Unfortunately, in doing so, if a service member kept their New York residency and purchased a vehicle while stationed in another state, they would be obligated to pay New York’s sales tax on that vehicle upon their return to New York – even if they paid sales tax in another state. This meant a veteran returning to New York State may have had to pay sales tax on their vehicle twice.

The legislation that was signed into law by the Governor provides an exemption in these instances, as long as the veteran shows proof that sales tax was paid in another state.

“The brave men and women in our armed forces make tremendous sacrifices for our country every day,” said Barclay. “The least we can do as a state is to show our thanks and eliminate this duplicative tax. I was pleased to partner with Assemblyman Colton and others in the Assembly to get this important piece of legislation passed.”

“When we think of the sacrifices the members of our military have made, we realize that they have given so much to serve our country. It is only right that our government give back to them as well,” said Assemblyman Colton. Colton continued, “Now, our armed forces who call New York home will have their lives made a little easier because of this law. I thank Assemblyman Barclay for working with me to pass this legislation.”