Canada Promotes Firefighter Tax Credit

by Mike Godfrey, Tax-News.com, Washington

11 July 2011

As part of her ongoing promotion of the government's Budget measures, Canada's Minister for National Revenue has highlighted a new tax credit targeting volunteer firefighters.

Speaking at a fire station on Prince Edward Island, Gail Shea emphasized the importance of the Volunteer Firefighter's Tax Credit. She said: "Every day 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's Tax Credit".

The credit was included in the re-introduced federal Budget, put to parliament on June 6. It is one of a number of new or increased tax credits offered by the re-elected Conservative party. The credit, which is non-refundable, is available to any volunteer firefighter who serves at least 200 hours per year at one or more fire departments, beginning on January 1, 2011.

Services included in 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. Eligible firefighters will be able to reduce income taxes they have paid or will owe at tax time by as much as CAD450 (USD465).

Shea added: "This credit is one of several measures announced in Budget 2011 that will help Canadians and their families to keep hard-earned dollars in their pockets. I encourage all volunteer firefighters to learn more about the credit and to claim it when they file their 2011 income tax and benefit returns."

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