PHILADELPHIA — City Council today introduced legislation that offers a tax credit against either the real estate tax or the wage tax for volunteers who perform community service. The legislation was introduced by Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (4th District) on behalf of Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District).
Under the legislation, volunteers performing community service may take a credit against either their real estate or their wage tax, with a maximum credit of $1,000 in one calendar year. The credit will be calculated by multiplying the number of certified community service hours by $5.00/hour, according to the legislation.
Council President Clarke said he was inspired to have the tax credit for community service bill drafted by President Biden’s recent actions to make it easier for holders of student loans to access a public service loan deferment option, as well as by unpaid community services being done across Philadelphia.
“Over the Summer, we watched so many volunteers doing things to benefit their neighborhoods – with no compensation expected or received,” Clarke said, pointing to the basketball camp run over the summertime by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (At Large) as one such example. “We wanted to be able to do something for these volunteers, and to inspire more volunteer community service across Philadelphia.”
Clarke’s tax credit for volunteer service bill was co-sponsored today by Councilmembers Jones, Thomas, Mark Squilla, Cindy Bass, and Kenyatta Johnson. The bill will be referred to a committee and a subsequent public hearing.
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