Bill > S06233

This bill provides a tax credit and property tax exemption expansion for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, with key changes taking effect from January 1, 2025. Specifically, the bill increases the existing tax credit for active volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers from $200 to $800 per year, and modifies eligibility rules. For married couples filing jointly who both qualify, the credit will increase from $400 to $1,600. Importantly, the bill removes the previous restriction that prohibited taxpayers from claiming the credit if they also received a real property tax exemption for their volunteer service, meaning from 2025 onward, volunteers can potentially receive both benefits. The bill also broadens the property tax exemption language to include additional types of local jurisdictions like school districts and special districts. The definitions of volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers remain unchanged, referencing existing definitions in the general municipal law. The bill will take effect on the first day of April following its passage into law, with the new tax credit provisions specifically applying to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6233