If you or someone you care for lives with a disability, taxes may feel like one more hurdle.
But the IRS actually offers several powerful breaks designed to ease the financial burden—from medical deductions to special savings accounts.

Let’s walk through what’s available—and how to claim it without stress.

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💡 1. ABLE Accounts: Save Without Losing Benefits

Thanks to the ABLE Act, people with disabilities can save up to $18,000/year in a tax-advantaged account—without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits.

✅ Earnings grow tax-free
✅ Withdrawals are tax-free for “qualified disability expenses” (housing, education, transportation, assistive tech, etc.)
✅ Employed? You can contribute an extra $14,580 (2024) if you don’t have a retirement plan at work

📌 Pub 907, p. 7: “You qualify if your disability began before age 26.”

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💰 2. Medical Expense Deduction: Lower Your Tax Bill

You can deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your AGI, including:

• Wheelchairs, hearing aids, prosthetics
• Guide dogs and service animals
• Home modifications (ramps, widened doors)
• Special education for disability-related needs
• Long-term care insurance premiums

💡 Example: AGI = $40,000 → First $3,000 of medical costs aren’t deductible—but everything above is.

📌 Pub 907, p. 4: “The cost of operating and maintaining a wheelchair is a medical expense.”

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👨‍👩‍👧 3. Child and Dependent Care Credit

If you pay for care so you can work or look for work, you may claim a credit for up to 35% of expenses for:

• A spouse who can’t care for themselves
• A dependent (any age) with a physical/mental disability
• A child under 13

✅ Max credit: $1,050 (one person) or $2,100 (two or more)

📌 File Form 2441 with your return.

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🧾 4. Adjust Your Withholding—Avoid April Surprises

If you receive Social Security, SSI, or disability pensions, you may still owe tax on other income (part-time work, investments, ABLE withdrawals).

Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator (IRS.gov/W4App) to:

• Adjust your W-4 if you’re employed
• Set up estimated payments if self-employed
• Avoid underpayment penalties

📌 Pub 15-T: Correct withholding prevents year-end tax shocks.

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🛠️ 5. Business Owners: Claim Disability Access Credits

Running a small business? You may qualify for:

• Disabled Access Credit (Form 8826): Up to $5,000/year for ramps, signage, interpreters
• Barrier Removal Deduction: Up to $15,000/year for accessibility improvements

📌 Pub 907, p. 6: “Eligible small businesses can offset ADA compliance costs.”

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💬 Final Advice from Uncle Joe Tax

Disability brings enough challenges—taxes shouldn’t be one of them.
These breaks exist because the system recognizes the extra costs you face.
So claim them. Use them. And keep more of what you earn.