Senator McIlhinney Urges Volunteer Firefighters, EMS to Apply For Tax Credits

HARRISBURG – Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery) is urging eligible volunteer firefighters and emergency services personnel to apply for a personal income tax credit of up to $100 this year.

Act 66 of 2008 established the Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Tax Credit program, giving active members of volunteer fire, ambulance and rescue organizations a one-time credit of up to $100 against their state tax liability in 2008.

Eligible volunteers must complete the PA-40 Schedule OC-V tax form. The form is available on the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue's website at www.revenue.state.pa.us or by calling 1-800-362-2050. The form must be filed when the individual files his or her state income taxes before the state's April 15, 2009 deadline.

"Our volunteer first responders dedicate a great deal of time and effort to protect our lives and property, and they deserve our most sincere thanks for their service," McIlhinney said. "I would urge all active volunteer firefighters and emergency services personnel to find out if they are eligible for this valuable tax credit."

The amount of the tax credit is based on the number of months the volunteer was a member during the 2008 calendar year. If the entire credit cannot be used on a volunteer's 2008 income tax return, it can be carried over for up to three years until the tax credit has been exhausted.

To determine eligibility for the tax credit, the State Fire Commissioner and EMS Director prepared a point system based on response rates, attendance, sleep-in and standby times, memberships and certifications. The complete point system is available online at the State Fire Commissioner and EMS Director's website at www.osfc.state.pa.us.

Volunteer fire and rescue personnel with questions about the points system can call the State Fire Commissioner's Office at 1-800-670-3473 or send an email to ra-fire@state.pa.us . Volunteer ambulance personnel who have questions about the points system should call the state Department of Health, Bureau of Medical Services, at (717) 787-8740 or visit www.health.state.pa.us/ems.

Contact:

Heather Cevasco
(215)489-5000