By Joseph Cress
The Sentinel
CARLISLE, Pa. — Cumberland County announced Tuesday it has issued $47,124 in real estate tax credits to 197 volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel.
County commissioners in 2022 created the credit to acknowledge the value and dedication of volunteer first responders.
Volunteers who applied and qualified for the credit received payments ranging from $87 to $250.
“The county continues to encourage its volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel to apply each year for the tax credit,” Commissioner Gary Eichelberger said. “They are an important part of our county, and we depend on them to help our residents in the worst of times.”
Cumberland County was the first county in Pennsylvania to implement a real estate tax credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel, according to a news release issued Tuesday.
“This tax credit acknowledges the hours that volunteers dedicate to helping our county residents, and assists with the retention and attraction of volunteers,” Commissioner Jean Foschi said.
The credit can be used to reduce the county real estate tax, excluding the library tax.
“Throughout the year, we will continue to remind our volunteers to get all the necessary paperwork so that they have the information they need to easily apply for the tax credit,” Commissioner Vince DiFilippo said.
Volunteers who were injured during a response to an emergency call and can no longer serve are eligible for the tax credit for the succeeding five tax years.
The applicant’s fire company or EMS chief/manager must submit a certification form listing volunteers who have met the organization’s requirements and have been in good standing for at least six months between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30.
Volunteers also must submit a tax credit application and a copy of their paid real estate tax receipt to the commissioners’ office each year.
For more information, visit cumberlandcountypa.gov/5023.
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