Volunteer workers can apply for tax credit

STAFF REPORT

Volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services personnel can now apply for a state income tax credit in Pennsylvania, said State Sen. Robert D. Robbins, R-50th.

Robbins, of Greenville said the Volunteer Responder Retention and Recruitment Tax Credit provides up to $100 for responders to use against their state personal income tax.

If the entire credit can’t be used in one year, it can carry over for up to three years.

The state has a point system for eligibility. Responders must have earned 50 points during 2008 through obtaining certifications, attending training and organizational meetings, response rates, sleep-in and standby times, holding elected or appointed positions, lifetime membership, military leave, and other administrative and support activities.

Responders must have the volunteer company’s chief certify the points by signing the PA-40 Schedule OC-V tax form. It’s available on the state Department of Revenue’s Web site at www.revenue.state.pa.us. Click on Forms and Publications on the left, then “2008.”