Personal income tax: credit: home security surveillance.

Senator Choi, along with Senators Alvarado-Gil, Ochoa Bogh, and Assembly Member Wallis, proposes a new personal income tax credit for California homeowners who install security surveillance systems. The measure would provide a credit of up to $250 annually for costs associated with purchasing and installing video, audio, or photographic recording devices at a taxpayer's principal single-family residence in California.

The tax credit would apply to expenses incurred between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2030. Taxpayers may claim one credit per qualified residence per tax year, with joint filers limited to a single credit for their home. If the credit amount exceeds the taxpayer's net tax liability, the unused portion may be carried forward to subsequent tax years until fully utilized.

The bill requires the Franchise Tax Board to submit annual reports beginning June 30, 2028, documenting the number of taxpayers who claim the credit. While the credit provisions sunset on December 1, 2031, taxpayers may continue carrying forward unused credits beyond that date. The measure would take effect immediately upon enactment as a tax levy under the California Constitution.