Office of Veterans Affairs

Mission

The Mission of the Paramus Office of Veteran Affairs is to advise resident veterans, their families, and dependents of benefits earned through honorable active duty in the U.S Military, and to provide guidance and assistance in searching for appropriate applications for veteran's needs and benefits.  The Office of Veteran Affairs was established by Mayor Richard A. LaBarbiera at the reorganization meeting of the Paramus Mayor and Council, January 6, 2013.

Hours 8:00am to 4:00pm Tuesdays & Thursdays by Appointment ONLY

Veterans Benefits Newsletter

Photo Identification

Paramus Veterans may now apply for a Paramus Photo Identification (ID) card (PDF). With this card Veteran’s may be eligible for discounts at retail location such as Home Depot and Lowes Home Improvements. The Office of Veterans Affairs is in the process of contact other retail and service businesses to give Veterans a discount. When a list is compiled, it will be posted.

Please note: With your Paramus Veterans ID card you can also get discounts at Paramus Municipal Pool, Golf Course registration fees and Paramus Recreation fees. Simply show your card at these venues to receive their discounts. Veterans no longer required to fill out a Vet and Vol Discount Form as long as they have their photo ID card.

FREE Metered Parking

New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-207.10) permits exemption from payment of municipal parking meter fees, for up to 24 hours, for disabled veterans and Purple Heart. Placards are available at any MVC agency or by mail.

U.S. Flag Retirement Drop Box 

The Borough of Paramus Veteran Affairs Office is pleased to announce that a U.S. Flag Retirement Drop Box has been installed at the VIP Office building . The box is located next to the entrance of the building are reminded that worn or tethered U.S. flags should not be placed in the garbage and are encouraged to deposit them in the drop box The flags will be held for the annual flag retirement ceremony held by the Veteran’s Council.

Special thanks to the Paramus Police Department, DPW for installing the drop box and Graphics

Residents who have any questions regarding the U.S. Flag Retirement Drop Box are asked to contact the Veterans Affairs Office at 201-265-2100 Ext: 6110 or email ServiceOfficer@paramusborough.org

NJ Property Tax Deduction

An annual $250 deduction from property taxes is available for the property of qualified Veteran or Surviving Spouse/Domestic Partner of a Veteran. Follow the link for more information on Veteran Property Tax Deductions.

NJ State Income Tax Exemption

Veterans are eligible for a $3,000 exemption on your Income Tax return if you are a military veteran who was honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States by the last day of the tax year. Your spouse (or civil union partner) is also eligible for an exemption if he/she is a veteran who was honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances and you are filing a joint return. This exemption is in addition to any other exemptions you are entitled to claim and is available on both the resident and nonresident returns. You cannot claim this exemption for a domestic partner or for your dependents.

Follow this link for the New Jersey State Veteran Income Tax Exemption application. Upon completion please return it with your discharge paper to the address noted on the application. This only has to be completed the first time you claim the exemption. This form does not need to be completed each year.

For more information log onto New Jersey State Office of Taxation - Veterans Division.

***UPDATE: In July, 2019, Governor Murphy signed A-5609/S-3960 into law, raising the exemption from $3,000 to $6,000. This will be in affect when you file your taxes in 2020.

Blue Star Banner - Wall of Honor

Families can display these banners when they have a loved one serving in the U.S Armed Forces. The Blue Star represents one family member serving, and a banner can have up to five stars. The Mayor and Council dedicated the entrance wall in Borough Hall to those residents in service to our country. We would like to honor those Paramus residents that are serving on active duty by placing a Blue Star Banner on our “Wall of Honor” If you have a family member on active duty and would like us to acknowledge their service please fill out a Blue Star Banner Request form (PDF).