Fairfax, Va. - Congress today passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1), a comprehensive reform of the U.S. tax code. The IAFC applauds Congress for addressing several important issues affecting the fire and emergency service, including:
- Fire Sprinklers: Since the devastating 2003 fire at the Station Nightclub in Rhode Island, the IAFC has urged Congress to incentivize business owners to retrofit their properties with fire-sprinkler systems. H.R. 1 provides this important incentive and allows the cost of sprinkler retrofits to be deducted as a Section 179 expense. This tax-policy change will allow countless businesses, restaurants, bars and other establishments to protect their employees and customers.
- Volunteers: H.R. 1 helps simplify the management of length-of-service award programs (LOSAPs) for volunteer and combination fire departments as well as increases the maximum annual LOSAP contribution to $6,000.
The IAFC is disappointed, however, to see Congress place a $10,000 cap on the deduction of state and local taxes as well as limiting the deductibility of uninsured property losses from fires and other nonfederally declared disasters. We will continue to work with our allies in Congress to address these issues.
"We thank Congress for expanding the availability of fire-sprinkler systems and easing some of the management challenges facing volunteer and combination fire departments,” said Chief Thomas Jenkins, IAFC president and chairman of the board.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.
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