A bill making its way through the New Jersey Legislature could potentially provide a tremendous boon for Hatzolah, EMS, and fire department volunteers across the state in the form of a $1,000 tax deduction.
As first introduced by Assemblymembers DiAnne Gove, Brian Rumpf, and Sean Kean, the bill would have provided a $5,000 gross income tax deduction, but it was lowered in a committee hearing to $1,000, with committee members approving it unanimously.
The Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee set forth eligibility requirements for people who want to claim the additional personal exemption:
First aid and rescue squad members would be eligible if they serve as a volunteer for the entire tax year, respond to at least 10% of regular alarms and 60% of drills, and have passed an approved training program or qualified as an EMT. Volunteers that have duty hours would be eligible if they serve at least 400 duty hours during any calendar year, with no more than 50% as drills.
Fire company members would be eligible if they serve as a volunteer for the entire tax year, respond to at least 60% of regular alarms and 60% of drills, and have attained the rank of Firefighter I Certified.