Bill · S. 1315· Senate(119-S-1315)
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a refundable credit for certain home accessibility improvements.
- Introduced
- 4/7/2025
- Last activity
- 4/7/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Angus King
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to create a new refundable tax credit for home accessibility improvements. The credit would allow individuals to claim 35 percent of expenditures made for qualifying accessibility upgrades to their principal residence. This credit is intended for "qualified individuals," which includes people with certain disabilities or those who have reached age 60. There are specific limits on the total amount of the credit allowed per year and over a lifetime. The bill also includes provisions for inflation adjustments and requires a study by the Comptroller General to evaluate the credit's effectiveness.
Yes· 3 of 8
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+8
The bill provides direct financial assistance for accessibility needs to individuals aged 60 and older.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+8
The bill specifically targets people with disabilities to help them modify their homes for better accessibility.
Would retired people be better off under this?+7
The bill provides significant utility for retirees aged 60 and older seeking to age in place.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Financial Assistance for Accessibility Upgrades: Individuals can receive a credit equal to 35 percent of their qualified home accessibility improvement expenditures (Section 1(a)).
-
Support for Seniors and People with Disabilities: The credit is available to "qualified individuals," which includes those entitled to certain pension or Social Security benefits based on blindness or disability, those with a disability certification, or those who have attained age 60 (Section 1(c)(1)).
-
Broad Range of Home Improvements: The bill covers many specific needs, such as installing ramps, grab bars, widening doorways, adding main-floor bedrooms or bathrooms, and installing adaptive fire alarms or bright lighting (Section 1(d)(2)).
-
Inflation Protection: The dollar limits for the credit and income thresholds are scheduled to be increased annually based on cost-of-living adjustments to account for inflation (Section 1(e)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Limits on Total Credit Amount: The amount an individual can claim is capped at $10,000 for any single taxable year and $30,000 for all taxable years (Section 1(b)(1)).
-
Income Restrictions: The amount of the credit can be reduced based on the taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income, which may limit the benefit for those above certain thresholds (Section 1(b)(2)).
-
Restrictions for Married Couples: If a married individual chooses to file a separate return rather than a joint return, they are not allowed to claim this credit (Section 1(e)(4)).
-
Burden of Proof: Taxpayers must provide substantiation of their eligibility and the amount spent to receive the credit (Section 1(e)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+8Good For Seniors+8Good For Retirees+7Good For Middle Class Households+4Good For Low Income Households+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+7Improves Affordable Housing+4
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Middle Class Taxes+3
- 4/7/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont