New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08719

Introduced
1/7/26  

Caption

Establishes a tax credit for food service establishment donations to food pantries, in the amount of fifty percent of the marketed value of each of the taxpayer's qualified donations up to six dollars per qualified donation, beginning with the 2027 tax year.

Impact

The introduction of S08719 represents a significant shift in New York's approach to food security and community support. By incentivizing food service establishments to donate meals to food pantries, this bill aims to address food insecurity issues within communities. It is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of food pantries by potentially increasing the volume of available resources, thereby allowing them to serve a larger number of individuals and families in need. This tax credit system could also foster stronger relationships between businesses and community organizations.

Summary

S08719 aims to establish a tax credit program for food service establishments that donate to food pantries. Specifically, the bill proposes a tax credit equal to fifty percent of the market value of qualified donations, with a cap of seven dollars per qualified donation and a maximum of ten thousand dollars total per taxable year. The program is set to take effect for taxable years beginning January 1, 2027, encouraging businesses to support local food assistance initiatives by providing financial incentives for their contributions.

Contention

While the bill's objectives are widely seen as beneficial, there are concerns regarding its implementation and efficacy. Critics argue about the logistical challenges for food service establishments in tracking and documenting donations to qualify for the tax credit. Another point of contention revolves around the impact of the tax cap and whether it is sufficient to motivate substantial donations. Advocates for food security programs are also particularly focused on ensuring that this credit does not become a substitute for more systemic measures addressing the root causes of food insecurity.

Notable_points

S08719 calls for clear definitions of eligible participants, including what constitutes a 'qualified donation' and the types of community organizations that can benefit from these contributions. This specificity is crucial for ensuring that the program is optimized for maximum impact. Additionally, the bill allows for local jurisdictions with large populations to create their own versions of this tax credit, which could lead to variations in application and potential disparities in support for food pantries across the state.

Companion Bills

NY A09055

Same As Establishes a tax credit for food service establishment donations to food pantries, in the amount of fifty percent of the marketed value of each of the taxpayer's qualified donations up to six dollars per qualified donation, beginning with the 2027 tax year.

Previously Filed As

NY A09055

Establishes a tax credit for food service establishment donations to food pantries, in the amount of fifty percent of the marketed value of each of the taxpayer's qualified donations up to six dollars per qualified donation, beginning with the 2027 tax year.

NY S09193

Increases tax credits for donations to food pantries made by farmers by increasing the allowable percentage of the fair market value of such donations and increasing the maximum amount of such credit.

NY A10131

Increases tax credits for donations to food pantries made by farmers by increasing the allowable percentage of the fair market value of such donations and increasing the maximum amount of such credit.

NY H5404

Provides a tax credit for food donations by qualified taxpayers to nonprofit organizations up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) per year.

NY S2447

Provides a tax credit for food donations by qualified taxpayers to nonprofit organizations up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) per year.

NY H7698

Provides a tax credit for food donations by qualified taxpayers to nonprofit organizations up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) per year.

NY A03385

Establishes a tax credit for grocery donations to food pantries.

NY SB881

Income taxation: credits: voluntary contributions: food bank donations.

NY H4774

Excess food donations

NY S1798

Establishes Public Education Innovation Fund; provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to businesses for making qualified education donations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.