Delegate Elizabeth Guzman today celebrated a new law she worked to pass that will reduce the state tax burden on military retirement income for veterans age 55 and older. 

The new state income tax deduction will be phased in at the rate of $10,000 in 2022, $20,000 in 2023, $30,000 in 2024, and $40,000 in 2025. 

Delegate Guzman was the chief patron of a similar bill and the chief co-patron of the final legislation. She worked in partnership with the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations to develop the legislation. 

The governor signed the bill Sept. 9. 

“Prince William and Fauquier Counties are together home to nearly 50,000 veterans,” said Delegate Guzman. “These brave public servants were willing to risk their lives in service to our country, and they deserve more than just kind words; they deserve a comfortable, affordable, and dignified retirement. This tax relief will put more money directly back into their pockets, which they can use to care for themselves and their families. This new law is only a first step, however. In the next legislative session, I will work with my colleagues across the aisle to remove the age requirement so that no veteran is left behind.” 

Delegate Torian paved the path for the legislation by spearheading a study that demonstrated the deduction’s feasibility. 

As a member of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, Delegate Guzman introduced a model resolution for comprehensive economic reforms for military families. It passed the body unanimously.