The proposed bill amends the Income Tax Act of 1967 by adding a new section that allows qualified volunteers serving as firefighters to claim a tax credit of $2,500 for their volunteer services starting from tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. To qualify for this credit, volunteers must provide a signed statement from the head of their organized fire department confirming that they have served at least 10 hours per month. Additionally, firefighters who are paid by one organized fire department but volunteer for another are also eligible for this credit based on their volunteer services.

The bill defines key terms such as "firefighter," "organized fire department," and "qualified volunteer." A firefighter is defined as a member of an organized fire department with specific certifications responsible for fire-related duties. An organized fire department is any governmental entity that provides fire suppression and related services. A qualified volunteer is a firefighter who serves at least 10 hours a month without receiving an hourly wage or salary, only being compensated for reasonable expenses or customary benefits. If the tax credit exceeds the taxpayer's liability, the excess amount will be refunded.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 206.1, 206.847