05/14/2026
After years of advocacy by FASNY, the NYS Assembly has passed landmark legislation increasing the volunteer firefighter and EMS tax credit from $200 to $800, the first increase since the program was established nearly 20 years ago.
This legislation, S.6233-A (Sen. Martinez) / A.6790-A (MOA McMahon), also removes outdated restrictions that prevented volunteers from receiving both the state income tax credit and locally authorized property tax exemptions, delivering long-overdue support for volunteer emergency responders across New York state.
“This is a transformational moment for volunteer emergency services in New York State,” said FASNY First Vice President, Donald J. Farrell. “Quadrupling the volunteer firefighter and EMS tax credit from $200 to $800 sends a powerful message that New York recognizes the critical role volunteers play in protecting communities every day.”
As volunteer departments statewide continue to face recruitment and retention challenges, the legislation represents one of the most significant investments in volunteer emergency services in decades.
The Senate is expected to advance the measure in the coming days.
Read more: https://fasny.com/news/fasny-applauds-assembly-passage-of-landmark-bill-quadrupling-volunteer-firefighter-and-ems-tax-credit/
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