05/15/2026
Check it out! $800 tax credit for being a volunteer! Huge upgrade from the $200 we used to get! One of the many benefits to being a volunteer firefighter! Click the link to learn more about what we do and how you can join
https://www.valhallafd.org/apps/public/database/formAdd.cfm?Form_ID=2
From the Desk of Supervisor Fulgenzi:
Finally!!! A much needed boost for our volunteer services which save taxpayers in NY almost $5 Billion a year in potential taxes…
Hey Albany, Let’s get this one through!!!
🔥 🚒🚑🔥🚒🚑🔥🚒🚑🔥🚒🚑🔥🚑🔥🚒
Major Recruitment and Retention Measure Raises State Tax Credit from $200 to $800 for First Time in 20 Years
The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) today applauded the New York State Assembly for passing landmark legislation to quadruple the state’s volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker income tax credit from $200 to $800 — the first increase since the program was established in 2006 — while also eliminating restrictions that currently prevent volunteers from receiving both the state tax credit and any locally authorized property tax exemptions.
The Senate, a longstanding supporter of volunteer emergency services that has previously passed versions of the legislation multiple times, is expected to advance the measure again in the coming days before adjournment.
The legislation, S.6233-A (Sen. Martinez) / A.6790-A (MOA McMahon), represents one of the most significant statewide investments in volunteer emergency services in decades and comes as volunteer fire and EMS departments across New York continue facing severe recruitment and retention challenges.
For two decades, the statewide volunteer income tax credit has remained unchanged at $200 despite rising gas and tolls, increasing emergency call volumes, and declining volunteer membership statewide. According to findings cited by FASNY, 76 percent of volunteer fire departments have experienced membership declines in recent years.
“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. Combined with allowing volunteers to receive both the state income tax credit and local property tax exemptions, this legislation delivers meaningful, long-overdue support for the tens of thousands of volunteers who sacrifice their time, leave their families, and answer emergency calls at all hours.”
In addition to increasing the statewide income tax credit, the legislation removes what FASNY described as an outdated statutory barrier that currently forces volunteers to choose between receiving the state income tax credit and benefiting from locally authorized property tax exemptions. The legislation would allow volunteers to receive both incentives simultaneously, restoring flexibility for local governments and strengthening local recruitment and retention efforts.
FASNY noted that volunteer firefighters save New York taxpayers an estimated $3.8 billion annually in salaries and benefits alone, while replacing the volunteer system with a fully career workforce could cost as much as $4.7 billion annually, in addition to billions in capital expenses and substantial local property tax increases.
