New York quadruples tax credits for volunteer firefighters and EMS

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation to quadruple the state personal income tax credit for eligible volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. The credit will increase from $200 to $800 for individuals and from $400 to $1,600 for married couples, effective starting in the 2027 tax year.

Under the new law, eligible volunteers may choose to claim either the increased state income tax credit or a qualifying local property tax exemption. This measure aims to address critical staffing shortages, as volunteer firefighter ranks in New York have reached a 40-year low. Data indicates that statewide volunteer numbers have dropped from approximately 120,000 in 2000 to 80,000 currently.

The legislation follows years of advocacy for better compensation as departments face closures and mergers. In addition to the tax credits, the governor’s office highlighted the V-FIRE grant and the Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend as existing support mechanisms for the service.