NYS Department of Taxation and Finance has issued Form IT-245 in order to claim a $200 (or $400) New York State 2007 income tax credit for service with a VAC or VFD. Chapter 532 of the Laws of 2007 makes it possible for all active volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers to qualify for the personal income tax credit in calendar year 2007, even if such volunteer also received a real property tax exemption for his or her volunteer service.

     In 2006 NYS adopted a law that provides volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers with a $200 personal income tax credit (the credit is $400 for taxpayers who file a joint return and who each qualify for the credit). This tax credit is available to a volunteer that is active and who is not also receiving a real property tax exemption for his or her volunteer service. Because this law was adopted after many volunteers had already applied for their local real property tax exemption, such volunteers would not be eligible for the personal income tax credit for the 2007 income tax year. Chapter 532 corrects this problem.

If you have any questions, please consult your tax preparer or the Tax Department as directed on form IT-201

Tax Form

All emergency responders face many hazards every time they are called to duty.