​
FAQs about Volunteer Firefighters and EMS Property Tax Exemption

  1. What is the amount of this tax exemption?
  2. I work as a firefighter/EMT in a paid capacty, not as a volunteer. Do I still qualify?
  3. I volunteer as a firefighter/EMT in Anchorage, do I qualify?
  4. 4. If multiple owners of the home are volunteer firefighters/EMTs, are we all eligible for this exemption?
  5. If I currently have a Residential, Senior Citizen, or Disabled Veteran exemption on my property, can I apply for this exemption type?
  6. How do you verify that applicants are volunteer firefighters/EMTs?
  7. I am currently taking the course to become a volunteer firefighter/EMT, but I won't receive my certification until after the March 15th deadline. Would I still be eligible?
​​

​1. What is the amount of this tax exemption?
The exemption is up to $10,000 of the assessed value of the property and no more than two exemptions (totaling $20,000 of the assessed value) may be granted for one property. 

2.  I work as a firefighter/EMT in a paid capacty, not as a volunteer. Do I still qualify?
Unfortunately, you would not qualify for this exemption. It is specifically designed to recognize the contributions of volunteer firefighters and EMTs from the Chugiak and Girdwood Fire and Rescue. However, you may want to explore other exemptions, such as the Residential, Senior Citizen, or Disabled Veteran exemptions.

3. I volunteer as a firefighter/EMT in Anchorage, do I qualify?
Unfortunately, you do not qualify. This exemption is limited to volunteer firefighters and EMTs from the Chugiak and Girdwood Fire and Rescue.

4. If multiple owners of the home are volunteer firefighters/EMTs, are we all eligible for this exemption?
No more than two eligibile applicants may be granted this exemption per property.

5. If I currently have a Residential, Senior Citizen, or Disabled Veteran exemption on my property, can I apply for this exemption type?
Yes, this exemption type may be granted in addition to other exemptions. Our Administrative Services team will confirm eligibility for all exemption types during their review.

​6. How do you verify that applicants are volunteer firefighters/EMTs?
The Administrative Services team works with the Fire Chief, who certifies that the volunteer has met the criteria established for this exemption.

7. I am currently taking the course to become a volunteer firefighter/EMT, but I won't receive my certification until after the March 15th deadline. Would I still be eligible? 
Unfortunately, no. Per Municipal Code, applicants must be certified as of January 1 of the exemption year. While you are not eligible this year, you can apply next year. Additionally, you may want to explore other exemptions such as residential, senior citizen, or disabled veteran exemptions.​