Free Tax Prep for People with Disabilities
National Disability Institute has numerous resources about free tax preparation services for people with disabilities, low-income individuals and families and the elderly, including the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Overcoming Financial Barriers
National Disability Institute has long documented the barriers to financial inclusion that people with disabilities often face. One strategy to help build a more stable financial future is to learn about and utilize certain tax deductions, income exclusions and credits that people with disabilities may qualify for.
12 Months
The EITC has no effect on certain public benefits for 12 months, such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid.
19.3 Million
There are approximately 19.3 million veterans in the US, 3.8 of whom have service related disabilities.
Overcoming Financial Barriers
National Disability Institute has long documented the barriers to financial inclusion that people with disabilities often face. One strategy to help build a more stable financial future is to learn about and utilize certain tax deductions, income exclusions and credits that people with disabilities may qualify for.
12 Months
The EITC has no effect on certain public benefits for 12 months, such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid.
19.3 Million
There are approximately 19.3 million veterans in the US, 3.8 of whom have service related disabilities.
Why Free Tax Preparation in an organization serving persons with disabilities?
- Quick Reference Guide – ABLE Accounts and Tax-Time Savings
- Quick Reference Guide – Taxes & Free Tax Prep: “I can’t afford to file my taxes…”
- Quick Reference Guide – Managing Money: “Other people manage my money; I don’t know where to start….”
- Quick Reference Guide – Medical Benefits: “I can’t afford to lose my medical benefits if I work….”
- FAQs about Taxes and SSA Disability Programs
- Information for Taxpayers with Disabilities
- IRS offers information for people with disabilities and their families
- Disability and Earned Income Tax Credit
- Partner with VITA to offer free tax prep on-site in your facility during tax season.
- Disability Information for Individuals, Businesses and Partners providing services: The IRS and its partners are making a focused effort to provide financial education and let people know about tax preparation assistance that’s available to individuals with disabilities. Business owners who accommodate individuals with disabilities may also be eligible for tax credits.
- Partner with regional tax coalitions to coordinate outreach to eligible individuals with disabilities and their families.
- Recruit a VITA-certified Tax Coach to assist self-filers on MyFreeTaxes.com on-site within your organization.
- Encourage persons with disabilities to become certified as an IRS volunteer tax coach.
Effective Strategy Handouts
- Examples of People First Language
- Selecting an Interpreter
- Making Accommodation Requests for Taxpayers with Disabilities
- Why Ask the Disability Question at VITA Sites? | Asking the Disability Question – A Script for VITA Preparers
- Technology Accessibility Resources – Making Sure Your Website and Technology is Accessible
Expanding Free Tax Preparation in the Deaf Community
One of the best ways an organization can work towards effective communication access to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community is to partner with the Deaf community. Through this collaboration, your organization doesn’t have to be the expert, but rather can learn about the diversity of the Deaf community, how/when to hire sign language interpreters and how your agencies may work together to leverage resources. Below is a list of tips on how to ensure your agency is inclusive of the Deaf community in free tax preparation and other services.
- Use ‘Deaf’ alongside ‘disability’ in messaging and include Deaf partners on any listserves your agency sends out
- Use symbols and pictures in handouts, PPTs, resources
- Nominate Deaf partners to serve on local/state committees
- Encourage partnership between your network and Deaf partners
- Connect with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf (RCD)
- Connect with Schools/College Programs for the Deaf
- Connect with Centers for Independent living with Deaf Programs/Staff
- Connect with Mental Health and Developmental Disability Programs for Deaf
- Promote and use Video Relay Services with your Deaf partners
- Recommend/Initiate Deaf Taskforces for deeper collaboration and more complex challenges
For other resources on Serving d/Deaf Taxpayers, check out Statewide Services for Individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing and IRS Videos in American Sign Language (ASL).
Free Tax Preparation Services
Job Seekers
Free tax preparation expands services in organizations who help job seekers in an easy and cost-effective way.
Questions?
National Disability Institute works to improve the financial health and well-being of people across the spectrum of disability.
If you have questions or want more information about our projects, please call (202) 296-2040 or email info@ndi-inc.org.
