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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Keith McCall State
Rep. Todd Eachus |
  
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McCall & Eachus urge volunteer emergency responders to apply for tax credit
HARRISBURG, Sep. 23 – State Reps. Keith McCall, D-Carbon, and Todd Eachus, D-Luzerne, said volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel could be eligible for a $100 credit on their state income taxes under a new law designed to encourage people to offer their services and help companies retain and recruit volunteers.
"Volunteer fire, ambulance and rescue companies save lives and property while saving the taxpayers billions of dollars every year, but many companies are struggling to find new volunteers," McCall said. "Under this tax credit program, those men and women who willingly sacrifice their time to help their communities can receive up to $100 back on state taxes. This is the first year for the program, and we're hoping that the response is overwhelming so we can make it even bigger and better next year."
"Earning this credit is fairly easy for our dedicated volunteers, since the credit is awarded to those volunteers that earn points for doing what they're already doing," Eachus said. "Responding to fire and ambulance calls earns points toward the credit, of course, but so does attending training, earning certifications, serving as an officer and even helping out behind-the-scenes with administrative duties and fundraisers."
The lawmakers recently sent letters to all the volunteer emergency service companies in their legislative districts outlining the tax credit program and how volunteers can earn points toward the credit. Earning 50 points in at least two approved categories is required to qualify for the credit, and the amount of the credit will be based upon the applicant's state tax liability.
To find out more about the Volunteer Responder Retention and Recruitment Tax Credit and how to apply, volunteers should check with their company officers. Firefighters can also contact the Office of State Fire Commissioner at 1-800-670-3473 or online at www.osfc.state.pa.us. Ambulance personnel can contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Bureau of Medical Services at 717-787-8740 or online at www.health.state.state.pa.us/ems .
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