Tax Services for People with Disabilities

Tax season is fast approaching.  Are you ready?  There are programs the IRS has set up to address any challenges, especially for those with disabilities. The IRS provides many tax  services that help all taxpayers – and those with disabilities often find these services particularly helpful.

Free Tax Preparation Services:

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (VITA/TCE) programs offer free tax return preparation generally to people who make $53,000 or less. IRS-trained volunteers provide free service along with electronic filing to qualified taxpayers.

To find nearby VITA or TCE locations, visit: www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers or use the Locator Tool. You can also call 800-906-9887 or download the IRS2Go App, which is available in English and Spanish. The app provides features to help taxpayers check on the status of their tax refunds, obtain tax records, find free tax preparation providers and stay connected with the IRS through social media channels like YouTube and Twitter. More than half of all visitors to the Where’s My Refund? page on IRS.gov were mobile users.

Filing Tips:

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) You must have earned income to receive this credit. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are not considered earned income.

Child and Dependent Care Expenses are another tax credit often overlooked by people with disabilities. Many individuals and families use this credit when they have children under the age of 13 enrolled in a qualifying daycare or babysitter facility. However, if the person being cared for is physically or mentally unable to care for himself, which means the qualifying person cannot dress, clean or feed himself because of physical or mental disabilities, there is no age limitation as long as one spouse is working. Individuals who must have constant attention/care to prevent injury to themselves or others are also considered not able to care for themselves.

Individuals with disabilities are often concerned that a tax refund will impact their eligibility for one or more public benefits, including Social Security disability benefits, Medicaid and Food Stamps. The law is clear that tax refunds, including refunds from tax credits such as the EITC, shall not be taken into account as income for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits.   Please file your taxes.

 

As always, the safest and fastest way anyone can get their tax refund is by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit.

 

 

Source:  Disability.blog, https://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2015/02/25/services-at-the-irs-for-people-with-disabilities/