CAPITAL REGION, NY (WRGB) — New York is set to significantly increase a tax break aimed at helping volunteer first responders, as departments across the state work to recruit and retain members.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation quadrupling the state personal income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers, raising it from $200 to $800. “We’re increasing the state personal income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers from $200 to $800,” Hochul said.
The Firefighters Association of the State of New York said the credit had remained unchanged for almost 20 years, even as the ranks of volunteer stations continue to dwindle.
FASNY Secretary John D’Alessandro said the expanded credit applies broadly and could help departments attract new volunteers.
“It applies to every active volunteer, so it’s something that every department can tap into when they go out to their community and hopefully attract new people to come and serve,” D’Alessandro said.
D’Alessandro said economic demands are the most common reason people do not volunteer, and he called the increased credit an added incentive.
“So, you know, anything we can do to provide some economic relief to both current and new volunteers makes it that much easier for people to serve their communities,” he said.
Assemblymember Phil Steck, a co-sponsor of the bill, said the credit would help ease financial burdens for volunteers and could also reduce costs for others.
They are able to impose access to funder operations in the more and more cases. The more it taxes, the more it will go up. So our volunteers keep taxes down for the public at large,” Steck said.
Additional proposals could follow. FASNY is working with the Legislature on other bills, including childcare credits and school loan forgiveness.
The newly signed law will take effect in the 2027 tax year. The soonest eligible New Yorkers can claim the increased tax credit will be when they file their 2028 taxes.