The year is about to end, we are just a month and a half away and only some people will be able to receive a tax refund that is important for their finances next year. Only, be careful, To qualify for this refund, you must generate a series of points during 2024. Here we give you more details
In Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel will have a unique opportunity this year to apply for a tax refund. This measure is part of the Tax Refund Program for Active Voluntary Servicesdesigned to recognize the value and risks of the work of firefighters and EMS personnel who are capable of giving their lives to protect the community.
The program was authorized since February by the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, and is intended for active members of non-profit fire companies and EMS agencies operating in the region.
“Our volunteer firefighters and EMS members risk their lives every day for our community,” said Jamila H. Winder, chairwoman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.
Who is eligible for this refund?
This reimbursement is available to approximately 3,000 active volunteers in the county. To qualify, firefighters and EMS personnel must be active members of a volunteer fire company or recognized EMS agency during the eligibility period. That is to say, those who have provided their services between January 1 and December 31, 2024 They will be able to request reimbursement during fiscal year 2025.
“This program offers Montgomery County’s approximately 3,000 active volunteers a refund of up to 100% of your property tax of Montgomery County, as a thank you for their service,” Winder detailed.
The reimbursement amount varies based on volunteers’ participation in key activities such as emergency responses, training, educational activities, and leadership roles. Firefighters and EMS will accumulate points for each activity performedand the total of these points will determine the percentage of the refund they will receive.
For example, responding to an emergency call earns two points, while participating in training or community activities also earns points. Depending on the total number of points achieved during the year, the refund percentage will be:
- 50 points: 25% refund.
- 100 points: 50% refund.
- 150 points: 75% refund.
- 200 points: 100% refund.
What happens to injured volunteers?
One of the most important features of this program is its recognition of the risks faced by firefighters and EMS personnel. Those who are injured while responding to an emergency may receive credits for up to five consecutive tax yearsprovided they present a valid medical certification from a licensed physician.
This aspect is crucial as it seeks to protect volunteers and ensure that those who risk their health and safety during their service continue to be supported by the community.
Across Pennsylvania, the number of volunteer firefighters has declined dramatically. While in the 1970s there were about 360,000 volunteer firefighters, today that number has fallen to less than 37,000. This trend has led authorities to implement measures such as this tax refund, in the hope that this incentive will motivate more people to engage in these essential services.
How to request a refund?
Interested volunteers must apply during fiscal year 2025 for services provided in 2024. It is essential that they keep a detailed record of all their activities and accumulated points, since the supervisors of the corresponding agencies will be in charge of verifying the participation of each volunteer.
This reimbursement is not only a recognition of the efforts of fire and EMS, but also a way to ensure the continuity of these vital services to the community.
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