Tax News

New tax credit for volunteer firefighters

Woolwich Township, Ontario, August 22, 2011… The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, accompanied by Harold Albrecht, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga, today visited the St. Jacobs Fire Department in Woolwich Township to promote a new tax credit for volunteer firefighters, a new non-refundable tax credit passed in the 2011 federal budget.

"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 Tax Credit," said Minister Shea.

"In smaller communities like many of those I represent, volunteer firefighters are fundamental to our safety," said Harold Albrecht.

The non-refundable tax credit 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 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 taxes they have paid or will owe at tax time by as much as $450.

"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," added Minister Shea.

For more information about the volunteer firefighter’s tax credit, go to www.cra.gc.ca/firefighter.