Act fast, as the deadline for fulfilling the conditions of a tax refund is nearly approaching
If you fulfill the role of a firefighter or an EMS personnel in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, then there is an appropriate opportunity you would not want to overlook. The county is providing a property tax rebate of up to 100% but you will have to earn sufficient points in the year 2024 to get the benefit in the year 2025. This program which has been put in place earlier this year seeks to compensate people who volunteer their services in the community without pay.
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Here’s how it works: If you’ve been an active member of a nonprofit fire company or EMS agency in Montgomery County, you could be eligible for this tax refund. The program is available to around 3,000 active volunteers during the period of January 1 – December 31, 2024. The refund will depend on the number of points earned for participation in activities such as emergency responses, training, educational outreach and leadership.
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Engaging in any of the activities outlined allows you to gain points. For instance, a response to an emergency call will attract two points whereas attending either training or community activities will also earn you points tallied to your total. The more points you earn, the greater the refund percentage. This is the format:
- Points 50 will earn you a Twenty-five (25) percentage refund.
- Points 100 will earn you a fifty (50) percentage refund.
- Points 150 will earn you seventy-five (75) percentage refunds.
- Points 200 will earn you a hundred (100) percentage refunds.
This program is endorsed by the Commissioners of Montgomery County and demonstrates the County’s recognition of the efforts and sacrifices made by volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel. In the words of Commissioner Chair Jamila H. Winder, “Every day, our community’s volunteer firefighters and EMS members put their lives on the line. This program is intended to thank them for their invaluable contributions.”
Refunds are not only meant to appreciate the efforts put in but also recognize the dangers involved in such assignments. And in case of injuries sustained while on an active emergency standby, you will not be left behind. Volunteers injured while on-duty may be credited for a period of up to five (5) consecutive fiscal years upon provision of proof of injury from a duly registered medical practitioner.
The end of the year comes faster than expected. If you meet the requirements, the tax rebate may be a great financial support. But still, it is important to begin earning points in order to qualify. You can, however, get the maximum refund that is available, by engaging in the activities that are eligible and reporting your input.
This effort serves to ease the economic burden of these residents, but it also shows the presence of the county’s valor in helping the people who help defend the residents. If you are one of those hardworking volunteers, do not forget to utilize this opportunity to the fullest—it is a recognition long overdue as you are needed in the place where you live.