By Dan Friedman New York Daily News
To access the IRS resource guide, please click here.
News that three retired FDNY firefighters died Monday from cancer tied to their work at Ground Zero offers a chance to note that families of 9/11 victims, and those suffering from illnesses, can claim tax benefits under a little-known law.
A 2002 law allows first responders or surviving family members to claim at least $10,000 worth of tax exemptions on disability income.
They are getting some help from the IRS. The agency for years did not publicize the benefit, leaving many of thousands of people receiving benefits for 9/11 illnesses unaware they could claim the exemption. But the IRS earlier this month officially updated guidance, called “Publication 3920: Tax Relief for Victims of Terrorist Attacks,” to explain how 9/11 responders and family members can claim tax relief. The agency also posted an updated resource page explaining the benefits.
The action came after pressure by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and her staff. The Daily News also reported on the issue.
The IRS last month provided temporary guidance explaining the policy, but the more recent update fully updates the agency’s material.
