Legislation Will Provide Permanent Tax-Exempt Status for Associations
WEST CHESTER (February 3) – State Senator Andy Dinniman announced today that he will reintroduce legislation that calls for providing permanent tax-exempt status to firefighter relief associations.
Senator Dinniman discusses emergency services legislation with members of Spring City’s Liberty Steam Fire Company.
Firefighter relief associations, which provide benefits to voluntary firefighters and their families, are exempt from having to pay Pennsylvania sales and use taxes on tangible property and services. But unlike some other nonprofit groups such as those for veterans – which have permanent tax-exempt status – firefighter relief associations have to apply for their tax-exempt status every year.
This reporting requirement often proves a challenge for these volunteer organizations with limited manpower, requiring the Department of the Auditor General to note this deficiency in its audits year after year.
In response, Dinniman plans to reintroduce Senate Bill 639, legislation that would amend a 1968 act to give firefighter relief associations permanent tax-exempt status like other non-profits.
“Our relief associations really make it possible for residents to volunteer with ambulance and fire companies. They are busy enough making sure local heroes and their families get the support they deserve. We should do what we can to make their operations easier and relieve them of needless paperwork,” Dinniman said.
Dinniman said he is confident that the legislation, which already has the support of Auditor General Jack Wagner as well as 15 co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle, will pass this session.
For more information contact Senator Dinniman’s District Office at (610) 692-2112, or e-mail acirucci@pasenate.com.
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