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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE Erickson: Volunteer Firefighters/EMS can File for
$100 Income Tax Credit Drexel Hill – Volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel can apply for a state income tax credit under a law enacted last year by the General Assembly, state Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26) said today. Erickson said the Volunteer Responder Retention and Recruitment Tax Credit is based on service in 2008; but 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. "The General Assembly passed this tax credit to show support for volunteers who sacrifice their time and safety to protect lives and property," said Erickson. "Additionally, it will help communities recruit and retain these dedicated citizens, who, through their volunteerism, save tax dollars in amounts well beyond the cost of this tax credit." Under the law, the state established a points system by which fire, rescue and EMS volunteers can accumulate points necessary to be eligible for the tax credit. Responders can accumulate points through obtaining certifications, attending training courses and organizational meetings, through response rates, sleep-in and standby times, holding elected and/or appointed positions, lifetime membership, military leave, and other related administrative and support activities. Responders must have earned a total of 50 points between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008 to be eligible for the state income tax credit. Responders must have their primary volunteer company's president or chief certify the points by signing the PA Schedule OC-V tax form provided by the PA Department of Revenue. The deadline to file state personal income tax returns for tax year 2008 is April 15, 2009. The PA Schedule OC-V tax form will be available this month on the state Department of Revenue's website at www.revenue.state.pa.us. The form is also available at Senator Erickson's district office, 5037 Township Line Road, Drexel Hill (610-853-4100). 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: Mary Capuzzi
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