DALLAS - The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) applauds the United StatesCongress for passing and President Donald Trump for signing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) recently, a comprehensive reform of the U.S. tax code. AFSA members are poised to benefit from several aspects of this monumental legislation, including particular language that directly affects the fire sprinkler industry - incentivizing business owners to retrofit their properties with fire sprinkler systems.

"Since 2003, AFSA has been a leading voice in the advocacy efforts to have this specific type of federal legislation that promotes fire sprinklers enacted into law," says Frank Mortl III, CAE, AFSA President. "AFSA's merit shop contractor volunteer representatives along with national staff are so proud of this provision in the tax reform bill that will undoubtedly save the lives of countless American workers and families."

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 numerous occupancies including businesses, restaurants, retail spaces and other establishments to protect their employees and customers.

Section 179 of the United States Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 179), allows a taxpayer to elect to deduct the cost of certain types of property on their income taxes as an expense, rather than requiring the cost of the property to be capitalized and depreciated.

The final bill expands the definition of qualified real property eligible for Section 179 by expensing improvements to nonresidential real property after such property was first placed in service. In addition, new Section 179 language allows the following types of building improvements to be eligible for the immediate write-off:

• Roofs,

• Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning property,

• Fire protection and alarm systems, and

• Security systems.

Fire sprinklers save lives, but cost considerations have prevented some property owners from making this important investment for too long. This new tax code signed into law December 22 will make it easier and more cost-effective to install these life-saving systems than ever before.

The dollar limit for expensing equipment purchases was also increased substantially. It would be $1 million starting in 2018. The phase-out of this deduction would begin for equipment purchases totaling more than $2.5 million.

Many of the changes reflected in the final bill were the result of the engagement of the AFSA and its members over the past decade.

"[Tax incentives to install fire sprinkler systems] have been many years in the making and is great news for all in the life safety profession," said Theodore Wills Jr., president of Anchor Fire Protection in Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania and chairman of the AFSA Legislative Committee. "The people on the front lines of this battle, including former AFSA President Steve Muncy, deserve kudos for their unwavering support and persistence in bringing this important legislation to fruition."

First introduced 14 years ago, The Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act (FSIA) sought to amend the 1986 Internal Revenue Code by classifying fire sprinkler retrofits as either a Section 179 depreciation deduction or as a 15-year property for purposes of depreciation. FSIA was endorsed and supported by dozens of industry groups, including AFSA, Congressional Fire Services Institute, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Code Council, International Fire Marshals Association, National Association of State Fire Marshals, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and National Fire Protection Association, among others.

Although FSIA is not the same legislation included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, its chief objective was similar - incentivize the installation

Under the leadership of Commissioner Joseph Finn, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, and Local 718, the Boston Fire Department (BFD) implemented major innovation and investments in state-of-the-art safety equipment and a three year partnership with O2X Human Performance. Within this three year period, BFD recorded a total cost savings of $6.3 million including a $4.7 million reduction directly attributed to decreased injury rates, paid time off, monthly sick call, and increased resilience of the department. 

Beyond the $4.7 million saved in salary and overtime expenses, the total economic impact of the changes made by BFD is much higher when considering the reduction in costs associated with surgeries, disability, and administrative duties due to a healthier, more resilient fire service. After 18 workshops for nearly 900 Boston firefighters, including three academy classes, the physical and emotional impact O2X has had on BFD has spread throughout the fire department to include firefighters, recruits, leadership, and support personnel. 

We are proud to quantitatively show these results and our partnership with Boston Fire. What is not shown, is the culture change to include increased morale and motivation throughout the department as well as focus on behavioral health and building a more resilient force. 

See: Boston Fire Department Cost Savings