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.
-
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.)
- 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.
- Nursing home care: Only the medical expenses incurred in a nursing home.
- Nursing, therapeutic, and/or aide services
- 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/taxpack.htm.
