HALIFAX/EAST HANTS: All volunteer firefighters who responded to at least 20 per cent of emergency calls this year will remain eligible for a $500 refundable tax credit.
Finance and Treasury Board is amending regulations to the Volunteer Firefighters and Ground Search and Rescue Tax Credit to waive the requirement for volunteer firefighters to attend 20 per cent of meetings and training sessions.
“Every day, volunteer firefighters and search and rescue teams help keep Nova Scotians safe. This tax credit recognizes their ongoing commitment,” said Karen Casey, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board. “These changes will ensure volunteer firefighters are still able to qualify even though the pandemic has impacted their ability to attend meetings.”
The requirement did not apply to ground search and rescue workers, who will continue to be eligible for the credit as usual. The change is for the 2020 year only.
Quotes:
“These brave men and women routinely, and without hesitation, volunteer their time and risk their personal safety to help others. In a difficult year such as this, the least we can do is be understanding and show some flexibility as a way of saying thank you for all they do for us, and for their ongoing commitment to training and service.”
– Chuck Porter, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Quick Facts:
— the province administers a refundable personal income tax credit to volunteer firefighters and search and rescue personnel in recognition of their community service
— this $500 credit may be claimed by an individual on their 2020 tax return
— an estimated 7,400 volunteers in the province benefit from the credit each year
Additional Resources:
Information on the tax credit: https://www.novascotia.ca/finance/en/home/taxation/tax101/personalincometax/volunteerfirefighterstaxcredit.aspx
