BelloneLatimerIRSSMALLEROctober 3, 2018 – Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced today a partnership to fight the Federal Government’s proposed regulations that would significantly limit the ability of homeowners and individuals from being able to deduct state and local taxes (SALT) on their federal tax returns. 

At a news conference in White Plains, both County Executives called on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to amend its proposed regulations that would significantly limit the ability of homeowners and individuals to deduct authorized state and local charitable contributions on their federal tax returns.

Latimer said: “While the Federal Government claims only 5% of the nation will be impacted by the cap on SALT deductions, we know here in Westchester that is not the case.  This cap will hurt our County’s working families, our property values and our way of life.”

Bellone said: “The looming tax increase headed towards New York from Washington can, and must, be stopped before it is too late.  We will fight Washington’s effort to hurt our homeowners and residents, and I thank County Executive Latimer for his leadership and partnership in this endeavor.”

Westchester and Suffolk Counties are home to a substantial ratio of taxpayers who will be adversely affected by the new federal tax law.  This effectively imposes a tax increase on thousands of suburban households across the state.

The County Executives will submit comments on behalf of their Counties during the proposed regulation comment period, which ends on October 11.  The IRS will hold a public hearing in Washington, D.C. on November 5, where officials can present testimony in response to the proposed regulations. 

Latimer added: “The Federal Government is unfairly targeting some states and not others.  I am committed to doing everything I can to find creative solutions to combat this cap. My message to the Federal Government is that Westchester County taxpayers do not deserve another tax increase in order to prove tax relief for others.”

Earlier this year, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed state legislation that authorized New York municipalities to establish charitable funds to which homeowners may contribute, and later receive, both income and property tax credits.  The state law seeks to address the anticipated tax increase on middle class homeowners.