Provides a tax credit for certain taxpayers who suffer the birth of a stillborn child.
Summary
This bill amends New York’s Tax Law to create a new refundable state income tax credit for taxpayers who experience the birth of a stillborn child. The credit amount is $2,000, and it is available only if the stillborn child would have qualified as the taxpayer’s dependent under federal tax rules. The credit would be claimed for the taxable year in which a certificate of still birth is issued under the Public Health Law.
The bill defines the covered event by reference to an official certificate of still birth issued under Public Health Law section 4160-a, which ties eligibility to an existing vital records process. It applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and authorizes any necessary implementing regulations to be adopted immediately. Because the credit is refundable, eligible taxpayers could receive the benefit even if they owe little or no state income tax.
Impact
The bill would add a new subsection to section 606 of the Tax Law, creating a refundable personal income tax credit for qualifying taxpayers. It would affect state tax administration by requiring the Department of Taxation and Finance to process claims tied to stillbirth certificates and to implement rules for the new credit. The practical impact would be to reduce state tax liability or provide a refund to affected families, while also linking eligibility to federal dependency standards and state vital records documentation.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the limited context provided, the measure appears to be framed as a compassionate tax relief proposal for families experiencing stillbirth. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided materials, so no formal support or opposition is documented here. The bill’s sponsor and caption suggest a sympathetic policy goal focused on financial assistance during a traumatic event.
Contention
No specific points of contention are identified in the available record because there are no committee transcripts, amendments, or votes included. Potential issues that could arise in discussion include the use of a tax credit rather than a direct benefit, the requirement that the child would have qualified as a dependent under federal law, and the need for an official stillbirth certificate to establish eligibility. Any debate would likely center on administrative verification, fiscal cost, and whether the credit amount is sufficient.
Provides child tax credit for taxpayers with children ages six to 11 and increases amount of credit for taxpayers with children under 12 over period of two years.