Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers across the state of New York could be in for some new tax savings this year. A much-deserved break for some of the state’s most important volunteers.
Approval of New Law
In December of 2022, state lawmakers approved a new law that gives taxing jurisdictions across the state the option to offer those volunteers a property tax of up to 10% of the assessed value of their main residence. Many may offer the exemption if they so choose, including school districts, towns, counties, villages, and fire districts. To do so they must first adopt the new local law implementing the break. However, there is no requirement for local governments to offer the exemption.
Who Qualifies
The break is available to volunteers who have served at least two years, but it can be as many as five years. A state’s Tax Department determines the minimum service time to qualify within that range, depending on its jurisdiction. According to the state, volunteers must also live in the community served by their volunteer organization to qualify for the break.
In New York, some jurisdictions already offer tax breaks to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, but the new law standardizes the exemption. To comply with the new statewide standards, any local government that previously offered a similar break must adopt a new local law by Dec. 9, 2025. According to the Tax Department, all previous exemption statutes will be repealed at that point.
Wrap Up
Volunteers who are seeking the tax break have to apply with the department that each local government assigns. There is a form to fill out. The deadline to apply varies by local government. However, in most New York towns the deadline is March 1st.