Boozman Introduces Tax Incentives for Volunteer Firefighters

Press Release

Boozman Introduces Tax Incentives for Volunteer Firefighters

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today announced two pieces of legislation offering tax breaks to volunteer firefighters. The bills amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow savings for volunteer firefighters who are committed to working to keep our communities safe.

H.R. 1433, The Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Act, amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow volunteer firefighters with eight or more years of service a $1,500 tax credit and for those with three or more years a $1,000 tax credit.

H.R. 1434, The Volunteer Firefighter/EMS Gas Price Relief Act, amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow volunteers who provide firefighting or emergency medical services a tax deduction for up to $250 of their travel expenses.

"We need to strive to give our rural communities the best possible resources and having stability in our volunteer firefighter crews shows that we are committed to making sure Arkansans have the best quality personnel protecting them in an emergency," Boozman said. "According to the National Volunteer Fire Council the biggest challenges facing volunteer fire departments and emergency services are retention and recruitment and we can help ease those hurdles with these pieces of legislation."

Both bills have been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Boozman introduced both pieces of legislation in the 110th Congress but neither bill was considered by the Committee.

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