MUSTO TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO EXTEND LOCAL TAX FILING DEADLINES FOR PENNSYLVANIA SOLDIERS IN COMBAT ZONES

HARRISBURG, February 2, 2005 – Senator Ray Musto (Carbon/Luzerne/Pittston) today introduced a bill that would require local taxing authorities to extend tax-filing deadlines for soldiers serving on active duty in combat zones. 

The extension would also apply to residents serving in a civilian capacity in support of the armed forces and spouses of both groups of individuals.

The measure would also waive local estate taxes if a combat death occurs.

“With the uncertainty surrounding the length of time our soldiers will remain in Iraq and other areas fighting the War on Terror, and the fact that Pennsylvania has seen more troops called to active duty, I believe this measure would aid our troops and their families by relieving some of the financial anxiety that may accompany active duty deployment,” Musto said.

The General Assembly passed similar legislation in 1991 in response to the Persian Gulf War. That law provided local taxing authorities with the option of extending tax-filing deadlines and waived earned income tax liability on estates of residents killed in a combat zone.

Musto said his bill differs in that it would:

·         mandate that local tax authorities extend the filing deadline;

·         include surviving spouses in the estate tax liability waiver; and

·         provide for the estate tax waiver in both the soldier’s year of death and the previous year.

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