Relates to enacting the volunteer emergency services mileage reimbursement tax credit; allows an active volunteer firefighter or a volunteer ambulance worker a credit equal to their reasonable mileage allowance owed for each mile actually and necessarily traveled by the volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker who utilizes their personal vehicle in the fulfillment of their emergency response duties.
Summary
Bill A04720 proposes a tax credit for active volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers in New York. The credit is aimed at reimbursing these volunteers for the mileage they incur while using their personal vehicles for emergency response duties. The reimbursement is capped at the standard mileage rate set by federal tax guidelines and is applicable for taxable years starting January 1, 2026. To qualify, volunteers must be certified by their respective organizations and active for the entire tax year in question.
Impact
If enacted, this bill will amend the New York tax law to include a new subsection that provides a specific tax credit for volunteer emergency service workers. This change will directly affect the financial obligations of the state, as it will create a new tax expenditure. It is expected to incentivize volunteerism in emergency services by alleviating some of the costs incurred by these individuals while performing essential community services.
Sentiment
The sentiment around Bill A04720 appears to be mixed, with a majority of support indicated by the 25 votes in favor during the Assembly Ways and Means Committee meeting, compared to 10 against. However, the bill was held for further consideration, suggesting that there are ongoing discussions regarding its implications and potential adjustments before it can proceed further in the legislative process.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the financial impact of the tax credit on state revenues and whether it adequately addresses the needs of volunteer emergency service workers. Some legislators may argue that while the credit is beneficial, it may not sufficiently compensate for the expenses incurred by these volunteers, while others may express concerns about the potential loss of tax revenue for the state.
Same As
Relates to enacting the volunteer emergency services mileage reimbursement tax credit; allows an active volunteer firefighter or a volunteer ambulance worker a credit equal to their reasonable mileage allowance owed for each mile actually and necessarily traveled by the volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker who utilizes their personal vehicle in the fulfillment of their emergency response duties.
Relates to enacting the volunteer emergency services mileage reimbursement tax credit; allows an active volunteer firefighter or a volunteer ambulance worker a credit equal to their reasonable mileage allowance owed for each mile actually and necessarily traveled by the volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker who utilizes their personal vehicle in the fulfillment of their emergency response duties.
Provides annual vehicular access for New York state's active volunteer firefighters and active volunteer ambulance workers and their immediate family at any state park or recreational facility.
An Act Allowing A Personal Income Tax Deduction For Stipends Paid To Volunteer Firefighters, Volunteer Fire Police Officers And Volunteer Ambulance Members.
Allows volunteer firefighters or emergency services personnel to attend training required under 19 NYCRR 426 without being penalized by their employer; creates tax incentives for employing volunteer firefighters or emergency services personnel.
Provides tax credit to certain volunteer firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers, volunteer reserve forces officers, auxiliary police officers and volunteer emergency medical personnel under certain circumstances.