New York Volunteer Firefighters Could Soon Get a Massive Tax Break

Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers across New York could soon see a much bigger thank-you from the state.

The New York State Assembly has passed legislation that would significantly increase the state’s volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker tax credit, something supporters say is badly needed as departments continue struggling with recruitment and retention.

Right now, eligible volunteers can receive a $200 personal income tax credit, or $400 for married couples filing jointly. Under the new legislation, that would jump to $800 for individuals and $1,600 for married joint filers.

A Big Change For Volunteers Across New York

The bill would also make another major change that could impact volunteers statewide.

Currently, eligible firefighters and ambulance workers have to choose between receiving the state income tax credit OR a partial property tax exemption. They can’t receive both.

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This legislation would allow qualifying volunteers to finally receive both benefits at the same time.

Volunteer Numbers Continue To Drop

According to lawmakers, New York has about 20,000 fewer volunteer firefighters today than it did 20 years ago.

That decline has become a growing concern statewide, especially in rural and suburban communities where volunteer departments are often the backbone of emergency response.

Officials say increasing the tax credit could help encourage more people to volunteer while also helping retain experienced members who are already dedicating countless hours to their departments.

What Lawmakers Say

Supporters of the bill say volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers continue putting themselves in dangerous situations to protect their communities, often while balancing full-time jobs and family responsibilities outside of emergency calls.

The proposal follows recommendations made by the Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Task Force created by the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services in 2022.

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Lawmakers also noted the tax credit has not increased since it was first created.

The bill now moves forward as New York continues looking for ways to strengthen emergency services across the state, especially in communities where volunteer responders are becoming harder and harder to replace.