If you are living with a disability, at some point, you need to make specific home modifications to foster your independent living. And as we all know, most of these home modifications can cost quite a fortune.

Fortunately, you can recoup most if not all the costs you incur in adding special equipment and making home modifications for accessibility. But how can you do that? Well, the government offers tax incentives and deductions for individuals who need accessible home improvements.

That said, this article will discuss the most common taxable deductions for home modifications. Without further ado, let's dive in!

Understanding Tax Deductions for Home Modification

If you'd like to file your own taxes, there are specific standard terms you should familiarize yourself with. That helps better understand tax liabilities and make more informed decisions with your money. For that reason, this section will discuss tax credits, exclusions, and deductions.

What are Tax Credits, Exclusions, and Deductions?

Tax Credit: These are discounts you get on what you owe the government. You can get tax credits if you are legally declared disabled.

Tax Exclusion: These are items you can leave off your tax form. For instance, if you receive some form of compensation money for physical injuries.

Tax Deduction: Deductions generally lower the amount of money you need to pay in taxes. Deductions are calculated by subtracting every allowable deduction from your total income. For instance, if you modify the hallway in your home to accommodate a family member who needs to use a wheelchair, you can subtract the amount used to modify. You can also deduct any other cost required in making home modifications that will improve the quality of your life living with a disability.

How Will I Know What Home Improvement Qualifies for a Tax Break?

When it comes to home improvement deductions, there's never a one-size-fits-all. Each person needs specific improvements to help them enjoy their life. Besides, new home improvement ideas are coming up all the time. All in all, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a list of the common home modifications that are deductible in your tax liability.

All the same, the IRS always considers these modifications on an individual basis. That means certain home modifications that are not on the list could also be deductible. However, you'll have to work with your doctor to prove that the modifications are related to your disability.

Examples of Deductible Home Improvements for Accessibility

For individuals who need wheelchairs, there's a wide range of approved taxable deductions for home improvements. Mostly these are necessary home modifications that help you fully utilize your home even when living with a disability. That includes:

• Lowering countertops and kitchen cabinets
• Widening the doorways and hallways for accessibility
• Installation of wheelchair ramps
• Adding grab bars in the bathroom
• Installation of shower chairs
• Modifying the stairways and installing stairlifts
• Installation of non-skid treads
• Modifying and raising the toilet seats
• Personal Emergency Systems
• Replacement of electrical outlets and light fixtures
• Installation of security systems and doorknobs

These modifications offer extra support around your home and improve the quality of your living. They are deducted from your tax liability because they don't necessarily increase your home's resale value but cater to specific medical conditions.

Eligibility Criteria: Accessible Home Improvement Requirements

Before you start making any improvements to your home, you need to be aware of the requirements put forth by the IRS for home modifications and improvements. To begin with, the changes must be related to your disability. You can install a stair lift if you have limited mobility and need assistance moving around your home.

Expenses incurred in installing the stair lift will be deducted from your tax liability. But if you paint the walls of your stairwell to match your stair lift, that won't be counted in the taxable deductions for home modifications. In short, any home improvements you make for aesthetics or personal reasons are not included in the deductions.

To qualify for tax deductions on home modifications due to disability or medical necessity, it's crucial to understand and meet the IRS's strict documentation and evidence requirements. These not only substantiate your claim but also ensure that you're fully compliant with tax laws. Here’s what you need to know to navigate this process effectively:

• Medical Prescription or Doctor’s Note: Secure a document from a healthcare provider that explicitly recommends home modifications due to a specific medical condition or disability.
• Detailed Description of Modifications: Compile a clear list of the modifications, including the work done and its necessity for the disability or condition, supplemented with photos and receipts.
• Proof of Payment: Maintain organized records of all expenses related to the modifications, including detailed receipts and bank statements.
• Comparison of Home Value: If applicable, assess the property value before and after modifications to demonstrate that any increase in value is minimal compared to the cost of modifications.
• Annual Deduction Limits and Thresholds: Remember, medical expenses are deductible when they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
• Consult a Tax Professional: Considering the complexity of tax laws, seeking advice from a tax expert can ensure you fully leverage available deductions while complying with IRS rules.

Remember, the IRS checks to see if the home improvements or modifications are a crucial part of your treatment. That includes modifications that will improve your mobility and the general function around your home.

How to Claim Deductions for Accessible Home Improvements

Claiming these deductions on your tax returns involves a few critical steps and understanding which IRS forms to use is paramount. Here is a straightforward guide to navigating this process:

Gather Documentation: Compile all receipts, doctor's notes, and any other documentation that proves your modifications were medically necessary.

Determine Eligible Expenses: Identify which improvements are considered "medical expenses" by the IRS. Not all modifications will qualify, so it's essential to understand the criteria.

Use the Correct IRS Forms: Typically, you'll report home modification deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040 or 1040-SR) as itemized deductions. Ensure you're aware of the latest tax rules and regulations, as these can impact how you claim deductions.

Calculate the Deduction: The total cost of the modifications reduced by any increases in your home's value and limited to the extent that they, combined with other medical expenses, exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI), can be deducted.

File Your Tax Return: Complete your tax return with the necessary forms and documentation. It might be beneficial to consult with a tax professional to ensure everything is in order, especially if there are new tax rules regarding home renovations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is home improvement tax deductible for all types of modifications?

No, only modifications made for medical purposes are deductible. Aesthetic or value-increasing modifications do not qualify.

Can you claim tax deductions for temporary home modifications?

Yes, if these modifications are medically necessary, even temporary solutions can be deductible as they are considered medical expenses.

How does the IRS differentiate between a home repair and a home modification for tax purposes?

A repair maintains your home's condition, while a modification alters the home to accommodate a disability. Only the latter is potentially deductible as a medical expense.

Is there a difference in tax deductions for home modifications based on the type of residence (single-family home, condo, apartment)?

The type of residence does not typically affect the deduction eligibility as long as the modifications are medically necessary.

Can improvements made for sensory disabilities (e.g., visual, auditory) be deducted?

Yes, home improvements and modifications made to assist individuals with sensory disabilities are deductible if they are medically necessary. This can include installing specialized lighting for those with visual impairments, soundproofing rooms for auditory sensitivities, or other modifications that directly assist with the disability. As with all medically related home improvements, the key to deduction eligibility is proving the modification is necessary for dealing with the disability, without adding significant value to the home.

In Summary

Now that you know the taxable deductions for home modifications, prepare well before filing the taxes. Gather all manuals, receipts, and doctor notes that prove the home modifications you've made are related to your disability.

Ensure you have the evidence you need to show your medical needs require you to make these modifications. On top of that, get professional help from someone who understands home modifications and tax deductions for people with disabilities.