Gives state income tax credit to volunteer firefighters and members of a volunteer ambulance corps in good standing up to $2500; must be in good standing for a minimum of five years and maintain continued eligibility.
Summary
A01064 would create a New York State personal income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and members of volunteer ambulance corps. Eligible taxpayers would need to be members in good standing for at least five years and maintain continuous eligibility in the state. The credit would equal up to $2,500, or the taxpayer’s total income tax liability if that amount is less than $2,500.
The bill is intended to provide a direct financial benefit to long-serving volunteer emergency responders and to recognize their public service. It would amend the Tax Law by adding a new credit under section 606 and would apply to taxable years beginning on or after the effective date, with the Department of Taxation and Finance authorized to adopt implementing rules immediately.
Impact
The bill would reduce personal income tax liability for qualifying volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance corps members, potentially lowering state tax revenues by the amount of credits claimed. It would add a new refundable-style tax benefit only up to the amount of tax owed, rather than creating a payment beyond tax liability. The measure would affect the Tax Law and the administration of state income taxes, while directly benefiting eligible volunteers who meet the five-year good-standing and continuous-eligibility requirements.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally favorable treatment of the bill among its sponsors and supporters, who appear to view it as a way to reward and encourage volunteer emergency service. However, the floor vote indicates the measure did not receive majority support, passing the Assembly floor vote with 52 yeas and 80 nays. That vote result suggests the bill was controversial or lacked sufficient support despite its pro-volunteer framing.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the cost and structure of the tax credit, including whether a $2,500 income tax credit is an appropriate use of state funds and whether the eligibility rules are too broad or too narrow. Supporters are likely volunteer fire and ambulance organizations and lawmakers backing volunteer service incentives, while opponents may have concerns about revenue loss, fairness relative to other taxpayers, or whether tax credits are the best way to support emergency services. The vote outcome indicates significant opposition in the Assembly.
Same As
Gives state income tax credit to volunteer firefighters and members of a volunteer ambulance corps in good standing up to $2500; must be in good standing for a minimum of five years and maintain continued eligibility.
Gives state income tax credit to volunteer firefighters and members of a volunteer ambulance corps in good standing up to $2500; must be in good standing for a minimum of five years and maintain continued eligibility.
Gives state income tax credit to volunteer firefighters and members of a volunteer ambulance corps in good standing up to $2500; must be in good standing for a minimum of five years and maintain continued eligibility.
Gives state income tax credit to volunteer firefighters and members of volunteer ambulance corps in good standing up to $1200; requires such member must be in good standing for a minimum of five years and maintain continued eligibility.
An Act Allowing A Personal Income Tax Deduction For Stipends Paid To Volunteer Firefighters, Volunteer Fire Police Officers And Volunteer Ambulance Members.