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Millions of older adults and people with disabilities may be missing out on a federal tax break that could put hundreds of dollars back in their pockets each year. The Tax Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled is designed to ease the financial strain of people who are aging or living with a disability—but many eligible taxpayers don’t even know it exists.
The Tax Credit for the Elderly and Disabled is a tax break provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is for people who are either age 65 or older, or under 65 and have a permanent disability. If you qualify, the credit can lower the amount of federal income tax you owe when you file your tax return. The amount of the credit usually ranges between $3,750 and $7,500, depending on your income, filing status, and other factors.
Am I eligible for the Tax Credit for the Elderly and Disabled?
To qualify for this tax credit, you must meet certain rules. You may be eligible if:
- You are 65 or older by the end of the tax year.
- You are under 65 but have a permanent and total disability.
- Your income meets the IRS limits.
- You file your taxes as single, married, or head of household (the income limits are different for each status).
You can use the IRS online eligibility tool to find out if you qualify for the Tax Credit for the Elderly and Disabled. Remember, income limits are likely to change each year, so be sure to check the income limits for the tax year you are filing.
Note: Income includes money you earn from work, Social Security, pensions, and disability payments. Some of these may be nontaxable, but they still count toward the income limit for this credit.
How do I claim the Elderly and Disabled Tax Credit?
To claim the credit, you will need to:
- Fill out IRS Schedule R—this is a special form used to figure out the amount of your credit.
- Attach Schedule R to your IRS Form 1040 when you file your individual income taxes for the year.
You must use the correct forms for the tax year you are filing. Tax forms change every year, so be sure to download the latest version before you file. You can view this sample Schedule R form ahead of time to see what kind of information you’ll need to provide.
What if I need help?
If you need help applying for the Tax Credit for the Elderly and Disabled or have questions, help is available. You can:
- Find a Taxpayer Assistance Center near you by using the IRS’s office locator tool. Once you find a local Taxpayer Assistance Center, agents will be able to assist you in filing your schedule R form and answer any questions you may have about this tax credit.
- You can also call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040 to speak with an agent over the phone who can assist. Agents are available Monday—Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Note that call waiting times may be high during tax season.
