In a recent visit to the Pineview Firehall in Prince George, Minister of National Revenue, Gail Shea, highlighted the new tax credit for volunteer firefighters: “Everyday in Canada, almost 85,000 brave men and women are ready to put their own lives at risk to protect the lives and property of their friends, neighbours and even perfect strangers. Our Government recognizes these efforts and is proud to have introduced the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit.”
Minister Shea was accompanied by Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George – Peace River. During the visit, Bob Zimmer said: “Our volunteer firefighters are important members of our community and we can’t thank them enough for the invaluable work they do for the residents of Prince George.”
The Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit available to any volunteer firefighter who serves at least 200 hours per week at one or more fire departments beginning January 1, 2011. Services that make up those 200 hours include responding to and being on call for firefighting and other emergencies, attending meetings at the fire department, and taking courses in preventing and putting out fires. When an eligible firefighter claims the credit, they can reduce income tax they have paid or will owe at tax time by as much as $450.
However, if the firefighter provided services to the same fire department other than as a volunteer for the same or similar duties, the hours related to that fire department cannot be included in determining the 200-hour threshold.
Please also note that the volunteer firefighter may also be eligible for an income exemption of up to $1,000 if a payment from the government, municipality or other public authority was received for carrying out volunteer firefighter duties. However, if this income exemption is claimed, the volunteer firefighter will no longer be eligible for the volunteer firefighters’ amount.
Reference: CRA website, "Minister Shea highlights new tax credit for volunteer firefighters"