Legislator Paul Supports State and Federal Bills Amending Income Tax Codes for Volunteer Fire, Ambulance and EM Personnel

Two resolutions sponsored by Rockland County Legislator Aney Paul were passed by unanimous approval of the members of the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee on Tuesday evening. Paul’s resolutions support NYS Assembly Bill (A1576) and U.S. House of Representative Bill (HR343), each proposing to provide tax relief to qualifying active volunteer firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers and volunteer emergency medical personnel.

The NYS Assembly bill, which was sponsored by Rockland Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski and co-sponsored by Rockland Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee, would amend the state tax law to allow volunteers a tax credit for active service. Active volunteers would be allowed a $200 service credit for one year of service and $100 per year thereafter, for up to 10 years and a maximum credit of $1100. To be considered active, a volunteer would have to attend more than 40% of the company’s activities per year. A lapse in active service, except for medical reasons, would result in the loss of accumulated service year credits, however once active service is resumed, the volunteer would be entitled to accrue the credit again from service year one.

The House of Representatives bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow volunteers to claim up to 300 hours of services at the rate of $20 per hour as a charitable contribution to their respective department.

“These bills are sincere in the intent to compensate our volunteer firefighters, ambulance corps workers and emergency medical personnel for the invaluable services they perform to protect lives, and the health, safety and property of our residents and business owners,” said Legislator Paul. “Because of the cost to the volunteer in time and money, it has become increasingly difficult to retain and recruit volunteer personnel. I appreciate the support of the members of the Public Safety Committee to pass these resolutions.”

The resolutions will appear on the agenda of an upcoming meeting of the entire Legislature.

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