EMS Worker Tax Credit Available

Area volunteer emergency responders could be eligible for a tax credit worth up to $100 on their 2008 state income tax return, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) announced today. Act 66 of 2008 provides a credit of up to $100 against the state personal income tax liability of residents who are active members of a volunteer ambulance service or volunteer fire or rescue company.

Eligibility for the new tax incentives will be based upon how active an individual is within his or her company and is open to volunteer firefighters, rescue and emergency medical personnel.

A volunteer responder must earn a total of 50 points between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 of this year to be eligible for the state income tax credit. Responders can accumulate points through obtaining certifications, attending training courses and organizational meetings, as well as 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.

The tax credit must be earned in 2008, but may be applied against the volunteer responder's state income tax liability for not only 2008 but also against the state income tax liability for three succeeding taxable years, until the tax credit has been exhausted.

For additional information and detailed eligibility requirements, visit Causer's Web site at www.RepCauser.com and click on "Emergency Responder Tax Credit." Please note that forms to apply for the tax credit will not be available until January.