# New York volunteer first responder tax credit expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-york-volunteer-first-responder-tax-credit-expansion > Updated: 2026-10-20T18:29:08.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to quadruple personal income tax credits for eligible volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers in New York. The annual credit for individuals will increase from $200 to $800, while the credit for married couples filing jointly will rise from $400 to $1,600, effective for the 2027 tax year. Eligible volunteers may choose between the increased state income tax credit or a qualifying local property tax exemption. State officials implemented these measures to address critical recruitment and staffing shortages, noting that the statewide volunteer force has declined from approximately 120,000 in the early 2000s to around 80,000 today. The legislation is part of broader efforts to support emergency services, which include the Volunteer Fire Infrastructure and Response Equipment (V-FIRE) program and the Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-20: New York quadruples tax credits for volunteer firefighters and EMS New York has quadrupled its personal income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers to combat declining recruitment and retention rates. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-quadruples-tax-credits-for-volunteer-firefighters-and-ems ### 2026-10-17: New York Governor quadruples tax credits for volunteer first responders New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law quadrupling tax credits for volunteer firefighters and EMTs, increasing individual credits from $200 to $800 to aid recruitment efforts. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-governor-quadruples-tax-credits-for-volunteer-first-responders --- Cite as: New York volunteer first responder tax credit expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-york-volunteer-first-responder-tax-credit-expansion