NJ S3797

Increases the New Jersey Earned Income Tax Credit from 40% to 45% of the federal earned income tax credit over a five-year period, starting at 41% in 2022 and reaching 45% by 2026.

Expands eligibility to allow taxpayers with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) to qualify for the NJEITC, removing the Social Security number requirement that applies at the federal level.

Exempts domestic abuse victims from the joint filing requirement if they file as married filing separately, lived apart from their spouse on the last day of the tax year, and experienced abuse within the past three years.

Maintains the existing provision allowing residents aged 18 or older without qualifying children to claim the credit, even if they don't meet federal age requirements.

Credits exceeding tax liability are treated as refundable overpayments, and NJEITC benefits do not count as income for determining eligibility for other state assistance programs.