Increases the volunteer firefighters' and ambulance workers' credit.
Impact
If enacted, S05837 would amend existing tax laws to provide a significantly larger benefit to volunteer emergency service providers. This could positively impact many volunteers across the state by alleviating some of their financial burdens, recognizing the commitment and service they provide to their communities. The bill will apply to future tax years, thus providing a long-term incentive for individuals to continue their vital roles as public safety volunteers.
Summary
Bill S05837 aims to increase the tax credit available to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers in New York. Currently, active volunteers receive a credit of $200 against their tax liabilities. This bill proposes to raise that amount to $1,200 for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2027. The intention behind this increase is to better recognize the services provided by these essential workers, enhancing the financial support they can receive through tax relief.
Contention
Opponents of the bill may voice concerns regarding the fiscal implications of this significant tax credit increase, questioning whether it could detract from the state’s revenue or prioritize funding in other areas. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding equitable treatment among various community service sectors and whether similar increases should be afforded to other emergency service roles, such as police or emergency medical technicians.
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.
Extends the effectiveness of certain sections of law relating to real property tax exemptions for real property owned by volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers.
Extends the effectiveness of certain sections of law relating to real property tax exemptions for real property owned by volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers.
Extends tuition free course benefits to volunteer firefighters or voluntary ambulance workers; authorizes the board of trustees of the state university to regulate the conferral of such benefits.
Provides that for taxable years beginning on and after January first, two thousand twenty-six, a resident taxpayer who serves as an active volunteer firefighter or as a volunteer ambulance worker shall be allowed a credit against the tax imposed equal to eight hundred dollars; provides for a real property tax exemption under certain circumstances to an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service residing in such city, village, town, school district, special district, fire district or county.
Provides that for taxable years beginning on and after January first, two thousand twenty-six, a resident taxpayer who serves as an active volunteer firefighter or as a volunteer ambulance worker shall be allowed a credit against the tax imposed equal to eight hundred dollars; provides for a real property tax exemption under certain circumstances to an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service residing in such city, village, town, school district, special district, fire district or county.
Provides an exemption from real property taxes for real property owned by an incorporated association of present or former volunteer firefighters, an incorporated volunteer fire company or fire department which is leased to an ambulance company exclusively used and occupied by such ambulance company for ambulance purposes.