Restore Tax Break for Commuters

Please join Senator Fuschillo's fight to restore the state's mass transit tax benefit, which will help reduce your commuting costs.

Last year, eligible commuters could set aside up to $230 a month of their pre-tax salary to cover mass-transit commuting expenses under federal law. However, Washington’s failure to renew the law by the December 31, 2011 deadline resulted in this benefit being cut nearly in half for 2012, taking more money out of the pockets of mass-transit commuters.

New York State mirrors the current federal benefit for commuters on their state taxes. Since the state's benefit is currently dependent on the federal benefit, you are now paying more on both your federal and state income taxes because of Washington's inaction.

Senator Fuschillo is sponsoring legislation to restore the state mass transit tax benefit to 2011 levels and adjust it annually for cost of living increases, regardless of whether Congress authorizes additional extensions. Passing this law would mean your state benefit would rise to $240 a month for 2012.

As you know, mass transit already costs you more than enough; you shouldn't have to pay higher income taxes just to get to work. In this economy, that's the last thing we need.

The legislation has been passed by the State Senate and is awaiting action by the Assembly. Please join Senator Fuschillo in urging the Assembly to pass this tax cut for commuters by filling out the petition below.