NORRISTOWN, PA — In a move to recognize and encourage volunteer emergency responders, the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners in Pennsylvania has authorized a property tax rebate program. The program targets active volunteers serving in fire companies and nonprofit emergency medical service (EMS) agencies within the county.
To be eligible for the Active Volunteer Service Tax Rebate Program, an individual must have been a member of a volunteer fire company or EMS agency throughout the entire eligibility period. The size of the rebate will depend on the volunteer’s level of participation in emergency response calls, trainings, public education activities, leadership roles, and other events.
Each activity will earn points for the volunteer. For instance, responding to an emergency call will accrue two points. Points can also be earned through department trainings, certifications, attending meetings, participating in fundraising events, and more. Volunteers who accumulate 50 points in a calendar year qualify for a 25% tax rebate. Those with 100, 150, and 200 points are eligible for 50%, 75%, and 100% tax rebates respectively. Agency supervisors will oversee the recording of each volunteer’s activities to verify points earned.
“Today, we proudly became the largest county to provide up to 100% County property tax relief to these critical members of our community,” said Neil Makhija, Montgomery County Commissioner. “Tax relief is a critical tool for us to maintain reliable emergency services for all of our residents and to recognize those serving the public.”
The program also acknowledges the inherent risks that emergency responders face. Volunteers who get injured while responding to, participating in, or returning from an emergency response call, and have documentation from a licensed physician, can receive the tax credit for up to five consecutive tax years.
Thomas DiBello, another Montgomery County Commissioner, highlighted the program’s potential to address the dwindling number of volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania. “Offering up to a full rebate on real estate property taxes is a way to give back to those Montgomery County residents who give their time to protecting our neighborhoods. It’s also a real tangible benefit of becoming a volunteer, and we hope it will inspire people to sign up with their local department.”
Effective immediately, the program allows volunteers who qualify for a real estate tax rebate to apply for the program during the 2025 tax year for services provided from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.
The Active Volunteer Service Tax Rebate Program is expected to be available on the county’s website within the next 60 days. Those interested in becoming volunteer firefighters or EMS providers can visit the Montgomery County Firefighters Association website or contact their local fire company for more information.
This initiative represents a significant step towards acknowledging the critical role played by volunteer emergency responders in maintaining public safety. By offering property tax rebates, Montgomery County hopes to not just reward current volunteers but also attract new individuals to these essential roles.
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