Tax breaks for Volunteer firefighters, EMTs

[Porsha911gt3 8]

Kelly wants tax breaks for firefighters, EMTs

By Michael Risinit

The Journal News

MONTROSE, Westchester County — Volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians could get a break on their federal income tax under a proposal announced Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Sue Kelly, R-Katonah.

Kelly stopped by the Cortlandt Engine Co. to discuss legislation she has introduced that would provide the volunteers with an income-tax deduction of up to $250 to reimburse them for their gas costs incurred when responding to emergency calls.

"A lot of people don't realize the people going down the road with the bluelights on the dashboard are us, going to calls, going back to the firehouse and going home," said Tom Johnson, a Cortlandt volunteer since 1998. "Repeat that 200 times a year and that's $500 in gas."

Kelly introduced the bill this month and modeled it on legislation she co-sponsored that gives teachers a similar tax break for out-of-pocket classroom expenses.

"Volunteer firefighters and EMTs donate their time and resources to help save lives and protect our communities," Kelly said in a statement. "Not only are they not paid for the critical services they provide, but their gas costs for responding to emergencies come out of their own pockets. This bill would provide these volunteers with some well-deserved federal assistance for their selfless efforts."

A Kelly spokesman said the latest measure would be referred to the House Ways and Means Committee when Congress reconvenes next month. It most likely would be incorporated into a larger piece of tax-relief legislation, similar to the teachers' tax deduction, spokesman Kevin Callahan said.

[WAS967 97]

It should be noted that (for those who itemize thier taxes), you are eligible for a tax deduction anyway when you respond to calls. I believe the deduction is somewhere around $0.30/mile and requires documentation of the milage and what it was for. IE: Keep a list in your car and document total milage for a call (to and from BTW) and the date and perhaps location. Something to back up your deduction if you get audited.

I'd imagine the above would just be an added benefit to that which we are already entitled.

EDIT: See here for more information: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=151226,00.html. Apparently the rate went up since I last checked (a few years back) BUT the rate I was thinking of was for business. For charity (ie....volunteer fire/EMS) it's fixed at $0.14. Which is kind of bogus if you ask me. Definatly a good reason for the added benefit.

Edited August 18, 2006 by WAS967

[CAM502 6]

What WAS is talking about goes for just about any "charitable" work where you use your own car. A good example would be Scouting (driving kids on trips, summer camp, etc) or an after school program you might volunteer for (kids helping kids...). Always a good idea to keep a mileage log just in case.

[Guest NYTruckie]

The town I live in gives the volunteer Firefighters and EMT's a tax break on town taxes. It depends on how long you have been and volunteer and you have to remain active in good standing. I believe its between $250 and $1000 a year. But then a year and a half or two years ago the federal government made the volunteers clam that on there taxes as income.