2009 Tax Credit Program - Discussion

Posted by Shane on 08/12/2009

The 2009 Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit Program had a few important changes from previous years.  While these changes were necessary, COFT understands that with change brings questions and concerns, and we want to hear from you! 

Do you have any questions about the changes on the 2009 Tax Credit Program?  Feeling confused about the requirements?  Please post your questions and comments here, and we will do our best to respond to them.

All messages are accepted pending approval, so you will not see your message on the discussion board until it is approved.

« Back to 2009

12 Comments

Phillip Nuner Says:
September 18th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Where do I fall? I have completed VFFP and Structural Firefighter. However I have not done anything toward FF1. Last year I qualified for and received the $400 credit. Will the credit be $200 now? I have done the continuing education requirements(completion of structural FF) this year.
Cheryl - COFT - Office Manager Says:
September 22nd, 2009 at 11:25 am
For the 2009 Tax Credit Program, since we have made the forms mirror the way the law was written, you will not be able to advance to a 1B $400 tax credit unless you are working toward your FF1 certification. So to answer your question, yes, you will need to complete a 1A $200 tax credit form for 2009.
Micheal Coon Says:
November 19th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Last year, if you qualified for the 400 credit, you had to complete a NIMS course, we did not have a formal training at our dept this year. However I have completed 100, 200 and 700 and WMD training prior to this year. Do I still need to go online and complete another NIMS course or a refresher as I did last year, do get the credit this year?
Robert Says:
November 30th, 2009 at 11:51 am
What happened to the general FF training classes? I thought that I had enough credit to qualify this year by completing my EMT and CPR refreshers and taking Emergency Vehicle Driver Training class. When I went to fill out the forms for this year these classes are not even on them. I have completed the VFFP and nims classes and recieved the credit for all 3 years that it was available. FF1 classes are very hard to find and most want you to take them all at once which is almost impossible while working full time. Do I qualify for anything this year?
Cheryl - COFT - Office Manager Says:
December 8th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
For the 2009 Tax Credit Program, it is up to the Fire Chief what he deems is compliant to meet all local, state and federal mandates as well as fit testing, CBRNE, WMD and NIMS.
Cheryl - COFT - Office Manager Says:
December 8th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
After carefully reviewing our State Statute and comparing it to the tax credit program, we realized that they did not mirror each other. The statute is specific in completeing programs and the optional courses that have been listed from previous years were courses and not part of a program. So for the 2009 Tax Credit program the optional courses were dropped. The statute states that to receive the $400 tax credit you must have completed VFFP or an equivalent program and working towards FF1. However, you are still eligible for the $200 tax credit if you have not taken any FF Continuing Education courses, which these are courses that can be taken in house as well. Once you complete VFFP or an equivalent program, you can stay at the $200 tax credit with no additional continuing education.
Rich Henry Says:
December 19th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Is there a 2009 Form 1C Attachment S for In-House Training? I completed NFA Strategy & Tactices for Initial Company Operations, FEMA Grant Writing class, and NIMS ICS 300 & 400, FEMA L449 ICS Train-the-Trainer but you only award one credit hour for NIMS training? So I need to use In-house training to complete the rest of my credit hours.
Tucker Wilson Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Why the late notice on the new requirement of 6 hrs of Continuing Ed for FF 1? Robert is right. It is very difficult to find any FF 1 classes that are local and in the evenings. This program is for volunteers who usually have a day job. Why is this so difficult for a volunteer to get a measely 400 credit?
Cheryl - COFT - Office Manager Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 4:26 pm
There is not an attachment S for the 1C Form. The 1C form is to be used if you are FF1 or higher and have already submitted your FF1 or higher certificate to us for verification. The form 1C requires no additional continuing education training. We do not require your NIMS certificates to be mailed to us this year as in previous years.
Cheryl - COFT - Office Manager Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 4:38 pm
We understand and are truly sorry for the late release on the 2009 tax credit forms. I know this doesn't help your situation, especially as it's the end of the year. But, the FF1 Continuing education courses can be taken in-house and will count for the $400. The courses will need to be put on an attachment S form and have the Fire Chief sign and initial the form.
Chad Says:
February 8th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Ok question.. I have never filed anything before. I completed VFFP and FF1 in 2008. I have completed all my NIMS training except for 400 in the years 2007 and 2008. I plan on applying for the $200 tax credit by refiling 2008 using my VFFP training. And filing for the $400 tax credit in 2009 using my FF1. I contacted the office and they said that would be okay and to use form 1C for 2009, but upon further reading I have never submitted my FF1 certification. What should I do?
Cheryl - COFT - Office Manager Says:
February 24th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
Chad, I would suggest that you submit both your VFFP and FF1 on your 2008 1A $200 Tax Credit Form. I'm not sure if when you say you "completed" your FF1 if that means you have your FF1 certification or not. If you do have your FF1 certification than for 2009 you can do a 1C. If you do not have your FF1 certification than you will need to complete a 1B if you have taken at least 6 hours toward FF1 for 2009. Please feel free to contact our office if you have additional questions and we will be glad to help you.
Post A Comment
(Will not be published)
Captcha Image
Image contains only uppercase letters.
 
Cancel