Making Your Home More Accessible
If you modify your home to make it more accessible, you may qualify to claim a credit on your Virginia income tax.
Why should I modify my home?
Accessible homes benefit people of all ages and abilities, and they help people to live independently in their communities for as long as they are safely able to do so.
How can I qualify to claim a tax credit?
You may claim a tax credit if you install (or hire someone else to install) one or more accessibility features in an existing home to make it accessible to people with disabilities, as long as the features are not otherwise required by law.
What accessibility features qualify for the tax credit?
- A no-step entrance allowing access into the home;
- Interior doors with a 32-inch-wide clear opening;
- Reinforcement of bathroom walls and installation of grab bars around the toilet, tub and shower;
- Light switches and electrical outlets placed in accessible locations and
- Other "accessibility" features listed in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. (.pdf)
How much is the tax credit?
- The credit is equal to 25% of the total cost of the accessibility features or $500, whichever is less.
- The allowable credit may not exceed your tax liability.
- Unused credits may be carried over for 5 years.
The above information is available for download as a 1-page flyer on VDA's Publications pages under the title "Earn a Tax Credit for Making Your Home Accessible", or under the subject "Home Modification Tax Credit for Accessibility Features." If you need more information or assistance, contact VDA.
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