New York Boosts Tax Credit 4x for Volunteer Firefighters

Volunteer firefighters in New York are getting a major financial boost that could convince more people to serve their communities.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that raises the state tax credit for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers from $200 to $800, or $1,600 for married couples. The increase marks the first adjustment to the credit since it was created two decades ago.

The timing couldn't be more critical. Since the tax credit was first introduced 20 years ago, the number of volunteer firefighters in New York has plummeted by 33%, according to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY).

Chris D'Alessandro, FASNY's Association Secretary, explained how financial pressures keep willing volunteers on the sidelines. "I hear over and over again from existing firefighters, 'I would have loved to have gone to that call, but my spouse was out working and I had to stay home and watch the kids,'" he said.

The new credit will apply starting in the 2027 tax year, meaning volunteers can claim it when filing taxes in 2028. Some volunteers will also qualify for local property tax exemptions on top of the state credit.

The Ripple Effect

This legislation is just the beginning of a broader effort to support volunteer first responders. FASNY has outlined a 14-point plan called the Volunteer Optimization Legislation Initiative, designed to remove economic barriers that prevent people from volunteering.

Several additional bills are moving through the state legislature to strengthen support for volunteers. One proposal would protect volunteers from workplace discrimination when they respond to emergencies. Another would allow local governments to provide small payments for each call volunteers respond to, without affecting their volunteer status.

A third bill would give volunteers protected time off for required training, preventing employers from cutting wages or penalizing workers who need to complete mandatory courses. The state has already expanded its stipend program to cover the costs of five different training courses.

These combined efforts recognize a simple truth: when communities reduce the financial burden on volunteers, more people can afford to step up. Fewer money worries means more time available to help neighbors in crisis.

For fire departments struggling with aging volunteer forces and recruitment challenges, this quadrupled tax credit represents real recognition of the sacrifices volunteers make. It won't solve everything, but it's a meaningful step toward ensuring every community has enough trained responders ready when emergencies strike.