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A 5953

Expands eligibility under New Jersey earned income tax credit program to allow taxpayers who are victims of domestic abuse to claim credit with filing status of married filing separately.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carmen Morales and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey bill expands earned income tax credit eligibility to domestic abuse victims filing separately from spouses, removing a financial barrier to leaving abusive relationships.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
#domesticvio #incometax
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5953

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 5953 modifies New Jersey's earned income tax credit (EITC) program to permit domestic abuse victims to claim the credit while filing taxes as "married filing separately" rather than requiring "married filing jointly." Currently, federal tax law and most state programs only allow married couples to claim EITC when filing jointly, which can trap abuse victims in financial dependence on their abusers.

Why is this important

Domestic abuse victims often cannot file jointly with their spouses due to safety concerns, financial control, or separation proceedings, making them ineligible for valuable tax credits that reduce their tax burden and provide refunds. This bill removes a financial barrier that may prevent victims from leaving abusive situations and achieving economic independence. The EITC is one of the largest anti-poverty programs in the country, so access directly affects household finances for vulnerable families.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal-state coordination complexity: The bill must align with federal EITC rules, which currently don't allow married filing separately status; New Jersey may face IRS complications or need federal approval for this deviation
  • Verification and fraud concerns: Allowing married filing separately claims requires robust documentation that someone is truly a domestic abuse victim rather than a married couple attempting to claim credits fraudulently
  • Definitional boundaries: The bill must precisely define what qualifies as "domestic abuse" to avoid scope creep while ensuring legitimate victims aren't excluded by overly strict criteria

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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