Tax deductions for first responders

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Retired public safety employees can apply for a federal tax deduction of up to $3,000. It applies to retirees who were firefighters, police, EMTs, corrections workers and some other positions. Provide the information below to a professional tax preparer when having your tax work completed:

The $3,000 deduction does not appear on the annual 1099R form that is sent out by the pension or retirement fund. The retiree must claim the deduction on his or her personal 1040 tax form on line 5B. Instructions on claiming the deduction are included in IRS Publication 575, page seven, with additional information on page two, General Information / Insurance Premiums for Retired Public Safety Officers.

Since claiming the deduction is not a simple matter, it is recommended that pensioners consult with their tax preparer to properly make the claim. If pension benefits are administered by a pension administration company, retirees may obtain additional information by contacting that company. Note that married couples where both the parties are retired police/fire/EMS may take a reduction in income of up to $6,000.

The tax filing deadline this year is April 15, 2024.