Reminder: Voluntary Income Tax Check-Off for Veterans Remembrance and Cemetery Maintenance Operation Fund

Michael F. Nozzolio

February 5, 2015

Continuing his strong commitment to our veterans and their families, New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio today reminded individuals filing their 2014 New York State income taxes that they will have the opportunity to make a voluntary contribution to support veterans cemeteries in New York State. This fund is an important step in the process to designate specific areas in New York State for a State Veterans cemetery. This voluntary contribution can be made as a deduction from an individual’s tax refund or as an additional monetary donation on New York State tax returns. Contributions are 100% voluntary.

“Just as our veterans recognized their duty to honor and serve our Nation, we too must recognize our duty as Americans to honor the profound sacrifices they made so that we can live our lives in freedom. New York State taxpayers can help to honor our veterans by supporting the New York State Veterans Remembrance and Cemetery Maintenance Operation Fund through a check off box on their 2014 New York State Income Tax form. No contribution is too small and I am hopeful that individuals will consider supporting this important effort,” said Senator Mike Nozzolio.

Senator Nozzolio sponsored and worked to enact the legislation creating the State Veterans Cemetery Program, which will provide new State and federal funding opportunities for veterans cemeteries across the State. The Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery could be eligible to receive financial assistance from this fund, once it reaches the threshold amount estimated at between $6 - $7 million dollars.

The Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Seneca County is located on the grounds of the former Sampson Naval and Air Force base, where over one million sailors and airmen trained in preparation for battle to defend the United States of America. The Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery was dedicated on July 30, 2011 and is the final resting place for over 240 veterans and their family members. The cemetery is built to nationally recognized standards for designation as a federal or State veterans cemetery.

The Veterans Remembrance donation check off box is located on line 60j of the Residential Income Tax Return Form IT-201.