Senator Kemp Hannon announced that for the 11th consecutive year, child support collections in New York State have reached record levels. In 2005, collections topped $1.5 billion, a 143 percent increase over collections in 1994. Nassau County has increased its collections by 180 percent.

"Whether it is providing health insurance through Child Health Plus, providing record increases to education funding or increasing day care opportunities, we are doing everything we can to ensure that our children get the best start possible in life, and the collection of child support plays an important role in our efforts," Senator Hannon said.

"We have made the collection of child support a priority and for the 11th consecutive year, the results speak for themselves. All children have a basic right to be supported emotionally and financially by both parents and I am proud that the unprecedented level of child support collected has improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of New York's children."

The $1.5 billion in 2005 collections represents a $56 million increase over 2004 and the seventh consecutive year of collections totaling more than $1 billion. The collections included $561 million for New York City, an increase of 168 percent over 1994, and $944 million for the rest of the state, an increase of 131 percent since 1994.

New York State is a leader in revitalizing and strengthening child support collections by enhancing the cooperation between state agencies, utilizing innovative technology and increasing public awareness of this important issue. In addition the increase in child support has helped countless families move from a public assistance to self-sufficiency as more than $505 million of the $1.5 billion collected went to 226,600 former welfare families.

Since 1995, New York State has made it clear that there is no element of personal responsibility more basic than parents' obligation to provide for the support of their children. Utilizing aggressive action against non-paying parents and forging new partnerships among government agencies, New York's child support system has been elevated to a new prominence, benefiting families and receiving national recognition.

Senator Kemp Hannon reminds New York taxpayers to take advantage of a host of business and personal tax credits that may lower their tax bills and increase their refunds. Some tax breaks, like the Earned Income Tax Credit, may even result in refunds when no tax is owed at all.

"The State of New York and the federal government offer a wealth of tax credits designed to provide real tax relief for New Yorkers," Hannon said. "Working families, single parents, individuals, farmers or people sending children to college may all reduce their income tax liability by claiming certain tax credits."

Tax credits leave more money in the pockets and savings accounts of working New York families. Business tax credits help companies grow and create jobs, stimulating New York's economy. The various credits can help an individual lower his or her tax bill. In some cases, a credit can result in a payment made directly to the filer even if no tax is due - but only if eligibility requirements are met.

For the 2004 tax year, New York filers claimed more than five million tax credits, saving more than $2.5 billion. The most widely claimed credits were the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Household Credit.

Business owners may qualify for credits related to the use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles, defibrillator purchases or film production. If a business is located in an Empire Zone, it may be eligible for wage, investment, employment, real property or other credits.

Knowing which credits may be available can increase your weekly paycheck if you adjust future withholdings. Check with your company's personnel office for more information.

Publications and forms also are available at many local libraries, banks and post offices, or 24 hours a day by calling the Tax Department's Fax-on-demand line. To access the system, call (800) 748-3676

Other forms and publications also are available by visiting the Tax Department's website at www.nystax.gov or by calling the Department's Call Center at 1-800-225-5829.