Hochul Signs Law Quadrupling New York Tax Credit for Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers
HEMPSTEAD — Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation on October 17 at the Village of Hempstead Volunteer Fire Department in Nassau County quadrupling New York State's personal income tax credit for eligible volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers: the individual credit rises from $200 to $800 a year, and the married joint credit from $400 to $1,600. The governor also announced $1 million in state funding for the Hempstead department to purchase new radio equipment, replacing outdated radios with limited functionality inside burning buildings and improving emergency communication in dangerous conditions.
The expanded credit takes effect for tax year 2027, so eligible volunteers can claim the higher amount when they file their 2028 returns. Volunteers retain the option of taking a qualifying local property tax exemption instead of the state income tax credit. Volunteer ranks in New York have fallen by about one-third since the early 2000s to roughly 80,000, according to state and fire-service figures.
"Volunteer firefighters across New York show up at 3 a.m. without asking why," said Firefighters Association of the State of New York President Donald Farrell, thanking the governor for making the increase a priority. The legislation was sponsored in the Legislature by Senator Monica Martinez and Assemblymember Karen McMahon, among others.
(Source: Office of the New York Governor)
Source: Office of the New York Governor
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 纽约消防车。FDNY fire engine, New York. Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY
