New York’s Simple Tax Trick Could Save Thousands of Lives – Here’s How!

Assemblyman Robert Smullen is championing a new initiative to simplify the process for New Yorkers to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors. The proposed legislation, Assembly Bill A.7011, aims to incorporate donor registration into the state income tax filing process, allowing residents to sign up as donors when submitting their taxes.​

This effort comes at a critical time, as organ donation shortages continue to impact thousands. Nationally, over 100,000 individuals are awaiting organ transplants, with 17 people dying each day due to the lack of available organs. ​

New York State has one of the lowest organ donor registration rates in the nation, despite the high demand for transplants. Integrating donor registration into the tax filing process is seen as a strategic move to increase awareness and participation. Assemblyman Smullen stated, “​We need to create as many opportunities as possible for New Yorkers to register as organ donors.”​

This approach mirrors successful initiatives in other states. For instance, Michigan became the first state to allow residents to register as organ donors through their state income tax forms. The “Check Your Heart Act,” signed into law in 2023, enables Michiganders to add their names to the donor registry when filing taxes.

Similarly, North Carolina is considering legislation to permit taxpayers to enroll in the organ donation program via their income tax returns. House Bill 565 proposes adding a section to tax forms where filers can choose to become organ donors, aiming to streamline the registration process and boost donor rates.

Assemblyman Smullen also shared a personal perspective, highlighting the profound impact of organ donation. His late son, Alexander John “AJ” Smullen, donated organs that saved five lives. Smullen remarked, “​That’s five less families who might have lost a loved one had they not received a donation in time.”

The proposed legislation in New York reflects a growing trend to leverage existing processes, like tax filings, to enhance organ donor registration. By making registration more accessible, these initiatives aim to save lives and address the critical shortage of organ donors nationwide.

If you’re a New York resident, visit the New York State Donate Life Registry for more information. For those outside of New York, visit organdonor.gov to learn about organ donation options in your state. You can also contact your local representatives for additional guidance.