Tax credits increase from $400 to $1600 for eligible married couples
From the Office of NY State Senator George Borrello,
An important victory has been achieved for our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers: legislation I was proud to co-sponsor to significantly increase their state income tax credit has been signed into law.
The new law quadruples the credit, raising it from $200 to $800 for individual volunteers and from $400 to $1,600 for eligible married couples. This increase is long overdue. The credit hasn’t changed since it was established nearly 20 years ago, even as the demands and costs associated with volunteer service have continued to grow.
Our volunteer first responders are there when we need them most, whether it’s the middle of the night, a holiday or in treacherous weather. They sacrifice time with their families, spend countless hours training and often put their own safety at risk to help our neighbors. And they do it all without a paycheck.
Volunteer fire departments and ambulance services are especially important in rural communities like ours. They also provide tremendous savings to taxpayers. According to a study by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), volunteer firefighting saves New Yorkers $4.7 billion a year. That’s an extraordinary contribution, both to public safety and to taxpayers.
This larger tax credit is a well-deserved acknowledgment of their service and will also help departments address the challenges of recruiting and retaining volunteers. I’ll continue pushing for additional benefits that recognize the time, commitment and personal sacrifices these volunteers make in serving their communities.
I want to thank bill sponsors Senator Monica Martinez and Assemblyman Michael McMahon, my colleagues who supported the legislation and Governor Hochul for signing it into law. This is an important step toward supporting the people who give so much to keep our communities safe.”
