Let’s face it – tax time isn’t fun for ANYONE. If you live with a spinal cord injury or other Disability, it can be even more of a challenge to get those taxes done. Fortunately, help is available! Not to mention, you may be eligible for more deductions than you thought!
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers assistance for those with disabilities through a variety of options. The IRS website states if you are unable to complete your return because of a physical disability, you may obtain assistance from an IRS office, or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) sponsored by the IRS.
VITA and other information for people with disabilities can be found at http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc102.html.
The IRS recommends you also try www.aarp.org/taxaide/home.html.
For further information on available IRS services, refer to Topic 101 (Volunteer tax assistance, toll free telephone, walk-in assistance, and outreach programs) at
http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc101.html or refer to Publication 910 (PDF), Guide to Free Tax Services (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p910.pdf).
For additional information on these subjects and other areas that may affect persons with disabilities refer to Publication 907, Tax Highlights for Persons with Disabilities (http://www.irs.gov/publications/p907/index.html).
You May be Eligible for Extra Deductions
Did you know that as a family caregiver, you too may be entitled to deductions or credits that can help take some of the sting out of tax season? If you have a disability, or care for someone who does, here are some ideas maximizing your deductions.
1. Medical expenses deductions (for this to qualify as a medical expense you must have spent money to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental defect or illness, which can include medical insurance premiums [unless pre-tax], prescription medicines, doctor bills, hospital fees, travel to and from medical appointments at 18 cents/mile.)
2. Special expenses you can claim: Oxygen and the equipment, special schools or homes, artificial limbs, false teeth, eyeglasses, wheelchairs and repairs, crutches, guide dogs, etc.
3. Nursing home care: Only the medical expenses incurred in a nursing home.
4. Nursing, therapeutic, and/or aide services
5. For more tax tip information visit thefamilycaregiver.org
m1e.net and click on the Winter 2007 Take Care newsletter.
Reprinted from The Family Caregiver Take Care! Newsletter with permission of the National Family Caregivers Association, Kensington, MD, the nation’s leading organization for all family caregivers. 1 800-896-3650; www.thefamilycaregiver.org.
Business Owners Get Extra Deductions for Accessibility!
If you are a business owner, check out how making your business accessible can help you at tax time! Visit http://www.ada.gov/.
