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For Immediate Release
April 3, 2009
Contact: Mitchell Hanna
717-397-1309

Senator Smucker Reminds Volunteer Firefighters and EMS Workers Submit Their Tax Credit Application

The General Assembly passed legislation last year creating a program where fire, rescue and EMS volunteers can apply for a $100 tax credit on their state income tax.  Senator Lloyd Smucker encourages all volunteer fire and rescue workers to apply for the tax credit and remind them that the deadline to file is April 15, 2009.   

"Our volunteer rescue workers provide a tremendous service and I do not want them to miss out on this opportunity to be recognized for their effort," Smucker said.  Senator Smucker’s website, www.senatorsmucker.com, contains a link to a fact sheet that highlights details of the program and lists frequently asked questions. 

The Volunteer Responder Retention and Recruitment Tax Credit is based on service in 2008 and eligibility is determined according to a points system established by the state.  Volunteers can accumulate points based on their response rates, obtaining certifications, attending training courses and organizational meetings, sleep-in and standby times, holding elected and/or appointed positions, lifetime membership, military leave, and other related administrative and support activities. 

Volunteers 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-40 Schedule OC-V form provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.  The PA-40 Schedule OC-V is available on the Department of Revenue’s website at www.revenue.state.pa.us (click on "Forms and Publications" on the left, then "2008," and scroll down to PA-40 Schedule OC-V. 

Volunteer fire and rescue personnel with questions about the points system can call State Fire Commissioner’s Office at 1-800-670-FIRE (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.  

"In communities across Pennsylvania, dedicated men and women give countless hours of their time, talent and energy to keep our communities and our neighborhoods safe," Smucker said.  "These volunteers save state taxpayers about $6 billion annually."