Is A Handicap Ramp Tax-Deductible?

Having a disability can add a lot of extra expenses to life. Many disabled people need to use costly equipment to help them get around. This is certainly the case when it comes to travel and driving a vehicle.

People who are disabled incur a lot of expenses that are directly related to their disability. Disabled drivers and caregivers often need to adapt their vehicles to accommodate their specific situation. Disabled people also incur extra expenses when they need to visit medical centers, doctors’ surgeries, and hospitals.

The US government takes these extra expenses into account when collecting federal tax. The equipment that a disabled person must purchase to alleviate or prevent injury is essential for them to be able to function and live their life. For this reason, a lot of medical equipment is tax-deductible.

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Image by stevepb on Pixabay: Is a wheelchair ramp tax-deductible?

What Does ‘Tax-Deductible’ Mean?

Filing a tax return (and dealing with taxes in general) can be quite confusing for most people. The federal tax system is complicated and sometimes convoluted. But understanding the tax system, and your entitlements within it, can save you a lot of money.

The term ‘tax-deductible’ is important to understand. When an expense is tax-deductible it means that you can list it as an essential expense. These essential expenses are subtracted from your gross income. This means that the amount of income that is considered ‘profit’ (and that you therefore need to pay income tax on) is lowered. This means you pay less overall income tax.

Is Durable Medical Equipment Tax-Deductible?

Most durable medical equipment qualifies as tax-deductible. The IRS allows you to claim the costs of any tax-deductible medical equipment that exceeds 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income. This means you just add all of your tax-deductible medical expenses incurred during the tax year together and the portion of it that exceeds 7.5% of your gross income is tax-deductible.

Is A Handicap Ramp Tax-Deductible?

A handicap ramp for your vehicle or home is a piece of durable medical equipment that qualifies as tax-deductible.

What Disabled Vehicle Adaptations Are Tax-Deductible?

Many disabled people, and their caregivers or family members, need to purchase expensive durable medical equipment for their vehicles. Most of this equipment is tax-deductible.

The most common tax-deductible vehicle adaptations are:

What Vehicle Adaptations Are Not Tax-Deductible?

Several vehicle adaptations that can be used by people with a disability, but are also used by people who do not have a disability and therefore are not considered essential, are:

  • Steering wheel knobs
  • Automatic transmission
  • Power steering
  • Running boards
  • Grab bars

Are Purpose-Built Wheelchair Vans Tax-Deductible?

In 2020, there are several fantastic, state-of-the-art, purpose-built wheelchair vans on the market. These vans come already fitted with design features that make driving as a wheelchair-user, or transporting a wheelchair-user, easy.

The cost of these vans is also partly tax-deductible. The part of the cost that is tax-deductible is the amount that the wheelchair van cost over and above the cost of what a similar van that was not wheelchair-friendly would cost.

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Image by stevepb on Pixabay: Most disabled vehicle adaptations are tax-deductible.

Is Travel For Medical Purposes Tax-Deductible?

Travel costs incurred when traveling for medical purposes can also be included in tax-deductible medical expenses. This can include the cost of fuel, parking fees, and toll fees that were paid on medically essential journeys – for example, to a hospital, medical center, or physiotherapist.

Can The Family Or Caregiver Of A Disabled Person Claim Tax Deductions?

It is not only a disabled person themselves who can claim tax deductions. A spouse, a dependent, or a qualified relative can also claim tax deductions for qualifying medical expenses incurred.

Can A Handicap Permit Save You Money?

A handicap parking permit is another great way to save money as a disabled driver, or caregiver. A handicap permit will entitle its holder to park for free in parking spaces in lots, and also in metered, on-street spaces in many jurisdictions in the country.

How Can You Get A Handicap Parking Permit?

The best way to get a handicap parking permit is to arrange an online consultation with a registered medical professional through Dr. Handicap. Once the medical professional verifies your disability they will complete and sign the relevant sections of a DMV form and email it directly to you.

Featured image by Steven HWG on Unsplash

10 Things You Need To Know About Tax As A Disabled Driver

For millions of disabled Americans, the ability to drive is an essential and invaluable lifeline. Without access to a vehicle, many disabled Americans would be left stranded, cut off from society and the businesses and amenities we all depend on.

Many disabled drivers need to use vehicles that have been modified and adapted. Specially adapted vehicles enable people with a very wide range of disabilities to enjoy a high level of freedom and independence. Modern technology has enabled the creation of ingenious vehicle modifications that make it possible for disabled drivers to operate their vehicles safely and effectively.

Adapted vehicles for disabled drivers do not come cheap. A lot of extra expenses are associated with being a disabled driver. The IRS realizes that these extra expenses are not luxuries, they are essential necessities. For this reason, the IRS allows many of the expenses related to driving with a disability to be tax-deductible.

As a disabled driver, it is crucial that you understand your tax rights. Being knowledgeable about tax and what you are entitled to as a disabled driver, or as a caregiver to a disabled person, can save you a lot of money.

Here are 10 things you need to know about tax as a disabled driver.

Dr Handicap - income tax
Image by stevepb on Pixabay: Are you taxed as a disabled driver? Yes, but deductions may be available.

1. Don’t Miss The Tax Return Deadline

As a disabled driver it is important that you file your tax return correctly and on time. Disabled driver tax deductions can put a lot of money back in your pocket, so you don’t want to miss out!

The deadline for filing your IRS tax return is in April. The exact date changes year to year. In 2021 the federal tax date is Thursday April 15th.

State tax returns can be filed along with federal tax returns, but some people choose to file their state return separately. State tax return deadlines vary, so it is important to consult with your local state tax agency in order to know the deadline in your state.

2. A Tax Advisor Can Save You Money

Some people choose to file their own tax return. In fact, some people love learning about tax and doing their own return. But this is certainly not everybody!

People who find tax tedious and dread doing their own tax return are surely in the majority. If you are someone who has no interest in learning about tax, it can be helpful and profitable to pay a tax advisor to do your tax return for you. Commissioning an expert tax advisor can end up saving you a lot of money.

3. Disabled Drivers Can Qualify For A Sales Tax Exemption

Disabled drivers can qualify for a sales tax exemption on the purchase of a vehicle in some states. Check with your local tax authorities to find out what applies in your state.

4. Most Disabled Vehicle Modifications Are Tax-Deductible

Essential vehicle adaptations are tax-deductible. These essential adaptations include:

  • Wheelchair lifts
  • Wheelchair ramps
  • Electronic hand controls
  • Left-side accelerator pedals
  • Raised ceilings
  • Lowered floors

5. Some Disabled Vehicle Modifications Do Not Qualify For A Tax Deduction

Some vehicle modifications are not considered to be essential and so do not qualify for a tax deduction. These include:

  • Power steering
  • Automatic transmission
  • Running boards
  • Grab bars
  • Steering wheel knobs

6. Specialist Wheelchair Vans Are Tax-Deductible

If you buy a specialist wheelchair van, the difference in cost between a non-wheelchair van of the same type and the wheelchair van is tax-deductible.

7. Driving Expenses For Medical Purposes Are Tax-Deductible

You can claim a tax deduction for driving expenses that are for medical purposes. This can include gas, parking, and toll fees incurred during travel to doctor’s surgeries and hospital, and any other medical related travel.

Dr Handicap - disabled driver tax
Image by stevepb on Pixabay: It is crucial to know your tax rights as a disabled driver.

8. Parents And Caregivers Of Disabled People Can Qualify For A Sales Tax Exemption

Tax deductions for vehicle adaptations and specialist wheelchair vans also apply to parents and caregivers of disabled people for the vehicles that they use to transport the disabled person, or people, they are responsible for.

9. You Can Get A Tax Deduction If You Buy An Eco-friendly Vehicle

If you choose to buy an eco-friendly vehicle you can get a federal tax deduction. This is intended to encourage people to buy vehicles that will do less damage to the environment. These tax incentives can come in the form of income tax credits or tax refunds.

10. If You Have Paid Tax In Error You Can Claim A Refund

Many disabled drivers are due tax refunds. In order to receive a tax refund you must file a tax return claiming the refund within three years of the original return’s due date.

If you are a disabled driver, or a caregiver to a disabled person, you are also entitled to a disabled parking permit. The quickest and easiest way to apply for a disabled permit is to arrange an online consultation with a medical professional through Dr. Handicap. The consulting medical professional will evaluate your claim and then write you a DMV form, which will be emailed to you straight away.

Featured image by nattanan23 on Pixabay

How Long Does It Take To Get A Handicap Placard In The Mail?

Millions of Americans live life with a disability. Some have visible disabilities, such as being an amputee or a wheelchair user. Others have “invisible” disabilities such as a heart condition, lung disease, or sight or hearing issues.

For most disabled Americans, the ability to avail of the nation’s disabled parking programs is an essential lifeline. Each state’s disabled parking program adheres to the guidelines stipulated in the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). These programs exist to make sure that disabled people have access to the nation’s public buildings, businesses, and amenities.

Many disabled people do not yet have their own handicap placard. This can be for many reasons. Some disabled people have not had a chance to apply, some have not been made aware that they are entitled to a permit, and others have become newly, or temporarily, disabled.

A person who is about to apply for a handicap permit usually has several important questions, such as: What types of handicapped placards are available? Where and how do I apply for a handicap placard? Can I receive a handicap placard in the mail? How long does it take to get a handicap placard in the mail?

Let’s answer these important questions right now…

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Image by StephanieAlbert on Pixabay: How long does it take to receive a disabled placard in the mail?

What Is A Handicap Placard?

A handicap placard, which is also known as a disabled parking permit or placard, is a document that legally entitles its holder to park in disabled parking spaces. Each state issues its own version of the handicap placard, but placards from every US state are recognized in every other US state. US placards are also recognized in several foreign countries including Canada, Britain, Japan, and every EU country.

What Types Of Handicap Parking Permits Are Available?

Several different types of disabled parking permits are available. It depends on the person’s type of disability, the duration their disability will last, whether they want a placard or a license plate, and if they are an organization.

The available disabled parking permits are:

  • Permanent disabled placard
  • Permanent disabled license plate
  • Temporary disabled placard
  • Disabled Veterans license plate
  • Organizational disabled permit

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Handicap Parking Permit?

The qualifying conditions for a disabled parking permit vary slightly state by state. In all states they include most of the following conditions:

  • An inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
  • An inability to walk without the aid of a crutch, cane, wheelchair, Zimmer frame, wheelchair, prosthetic limb, other assistive device, or another person.
  • A heart condition of Class III or IV severity
  • Lung disease
  • A condition that necessitates the use of a portable oxygen tank
  • A neurological condition
  • An arthritic condition
  • Blindness

Is The Handicap Parking Permit Application Process The Same In Every State?

The handicap parking permit application varies a little between states. The main ways in which states vary are:

  • The list of qualifying conditions is slightly different in some states
  • What types of medical professional can verify a disability can vary between states
  • Whether you need to submit your application to the local Tax Collector’s office or the Department of Motor Vehicles can vary between states

Where Do I Apply For A Disabled Parking Permit?

You will need to check with your logical disabled parking authorities to find out where you need to apply for a handicap permit in your jurisdiction. In most jurisdictions you will apply through your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, either online, by mail, or in person.

What Is The Process Of Applying For A Handicap Parking Placard?

The process of applying for a handicap placard is quick and easy. These are the steps you need to take:

  • Decide if you have a medical condition that may qualify for disabled parking.
  • Have a consultation with a suitable medical professional in your state.
  • Fill in an application form, which will include a section for the examining medical professional to complete.
  • Enclose copies of proof of ID and any necessary fees (the fees vary state-by-state).
  • Submit to either your local DMV or Tax Collector’s office.
Dr Handicap - disabled parking place
Image by kmicican on Pixabay: The process of applying for disabled parking varies slightly by state.

Can I Receive A Handicap Placard In The Mail?

Yes, in the vast majority of states you can receive your handicap placard by mail. However, if you have requested a disabled license plate or Disabled Veterans plate, you may need to collect it and have it installed.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Handicap Placard In The Mail?

How long it takes to get a handicap placard in the mail varies by state. In most states, you will need to wait between two and four weeks. However, in several states (for example, California), you may need to wait up to eight weeks to receive your disabled parking permit.

How Can I Get A Disabled Parking Permit Letter Of Recommendation?

The easiest way to get a disabled parking letter of recommendation is to have an online consultation with a medical professional via Dr Handicap.

Featured image by Davide Baraldi on Unsplash

Will Medicare Pay For A Wheelchair Access Van?

Medicare helps a lot of people, especially those with disabilities. Still, it changes quite frequently and what was once covered may not be covered anymore.

Many people with mobility issues need a van to transport themselves and their equipment where they need to go. But this is not an inexpensive purchase. The question many people want to know is: will Medicare pay for a wheelchair access van? Read on to find out more!

Who Does Medicare Cover?

In the United States, Medicare is a health program for people over the age of 65 and people under that age with a disability. It provides healthcare coverage so you can see a doctor and receive medication. The real question for those with disabilities is: will it help to cover the things needs to improve your personal mobility?

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Image by Bill Oxford on Unsplash: Will Medicare pay for a wheelchair access van? Maybe – if you have Part C.

Will Medicare Pay For A Wheelchair Accessible Van?

Medicare is made up of four parts and each part has a separate function. These parts are:

  • Part A – Covers skilled nursing care, hospice, and hospital services
  • Part B – Covers outpatient services
  • Part C – Also called Medicare Advantage; allows a patient to choose a health care plan with a private health care provider and may help with the costs associated with transportation (but you’ll need to check with your provider)
  • Part D – Covers prescriptions

There’s no guarantee that Part C will help with any costs associated with a new van. As you can see, Parts A, B, and D have no coverage for mobility aids such as a handicap accessible van.

Will Medicare Help Pay For A Wheelchair Lift On A Vehicle?

The answer to this question is, unfortunately, no. While many people depend on Medicare to help cover their health care costs, it does not deem mobility devices as a covered expense. Medicare is not meant to be a full-coverage option of health care for most people. Instead, it is meant to be a foundation from which you can build a plan that helps to cover your health care costs.

Does Medicare Cover Power Wheelchairs or Scooters?

Power wheelchairs and scooters are classified under Medicare as power-operated vehicles. That’s not the same as a personal mobility vehicle, which is what they consider a handicap accessible van. Medicare does pay for power-operated vehicles, such as a power wheelchair. But even with a prescription for durable medical equipment from your treating physician, Medicare will not cover a personal mobility vehicle.

If you’re looking to get a power-operated vehicle, it’s important to know that a prior authorization is required before it will cover the purchase. If your doctor prescribes a scooter, for example, you must have the durable medical equipment device supplier submit a request on your behalf to Medicare before it is covered. If you buy it first then apply for reimbursement, then you may find yourself in a tough spot.

What About Medicare’s Medigap Coverage?

Medicare offers something called Medigap. This is an additional health insurance plan that can be purchased from a private health care provider that will cover things Medicare will not cover, such as deductibles and co-pays.

It’s important to note that Medigap doesn’t allow for additional coverage such as vision or dental and many won’t cover prescription drugs, either. Medigap also won’t cover accessible van purchases.

Dr Handicap - research
Image by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash: Medicare grants for wheelchair vans are out there, you simply need to do your research to find them.

Who Can Help With Accessible Van Purchases?

If you’re disabled and need an accessible van to provide transportation, there are programs out there that can help. Grants are available nationwide, as well as grants in specific states and for people with specific conditions. Doing a search for these grants may help to get you at least some of the money you need for an accessible van purchase.

A couple of options that can help pay for your accessible van include:

  • The US Department of Veteran’s Affairs has accessible van grants available for veterans
  • Special financing options from accessible van dealers

If you or someone you love is struggling to find the resources for an accessible van, Medicare may not be able to help, but there is help out there. Don’t give up if you are having issues finding assistance, because this is a problem many of those in wheelchairs must contend with, and help is available.

Featured image by Dave Kim on Unsplash

The 3 Different Types Of Disabled Parking Spaces

Disabled parking spaces are vital things. To millions of disabled Americans, handicap parking spaces are invaluable lifelines they simply couldn’t get by without.

Disabled parking spaces ensure a core human right that is essential to wellbeing: equal access to the amenities throughout our country. We are all in this together, and disabled parking spaces enable those of us who lack mobility to partake fully in society.

Handicap parking spaces are rightly recognized as crucially important by jurisdictions and citizens all across America. Their upkeep and proper usage is always a high priority, and they are strictly regulated and protected by federal law.

New disabled permit holders might not know much about disabled parking spaces. They may have questions such as: Are there different types of handicap parking spaces? What are the different types of disabled parking space and how should each be used? How can you recognize the difference between the different types of disabled spaces? Does my disability, type of permit, or the vehicle I’m traveling in limit the type of space I can use?

Let’s answer these questions right now.

Are There Different Types Of Disabled Parking Spaces?

Yes, there are three different types of disabled parking spaces in America. The reason there are three types is so the disabled parking program can serve the widest possible group of disabled parking permit holders. The aim is for all disabilities and all vehicle types to be catered for.

Dr. Handicap - Blue Handicap Parking Sign
Image by arembowski on Pixabay: There are three different types of disabled parking space.

What Are The Different Types Of Disabled Parking Spaces?

The three different types of disabled parking space are:

  • Accessible parking spaces for cars
  • Accessible parking spaces for vans (one-sided entry)
  • Accessible parking spaces for vans (two-sided entry)

What Law Regulates Disabled Parking In America?

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is the federal law that regulates disabled parking spaces in America. The law covers the types of spaces, their dimensions, the number of spaces there should be in any area, and the positioning and placement of spaces.

How Can You Tell The Difference Between The Different Types Of Disabled Spaces?

Accessible parking spaces for cars are for standard vehicles without a wheelchair ramp or lift. These spaces are marked by the International Symbol of Access (blue and white wheelchair symbol). They have at least a 60-inch-wide aisle to allow a person in a wheelchair room to enter and exit the vehicle.

Accessible parking spaces for vans (one-sided entry) are for vehicles that have a ramp or lift. These spaces are marked with the International Symbol of Access and have a striped access aisle on the driver’s side that is at least 96 inches wide.

Accessible parking spaces for vans (two-sided entry) are similar to those with one-sided entry. The only difference is that they have an access aisle on both sides.

How Can You Know Whether Parking In A Certain Space Is Appropriate For You?

The right parking space depends on whether or not the vehicle you are driving has a ramp or lift, and who is traveling in the vehicle at the time in question. If your vehicle has a side door with a ramp or lift, then you will need to use a van space. The lift or lamp is the pertinent issue, as more space is required to enter and exit a vehicle using one of these devices.

If you are a wheelchair user who does not use a ramp or lift, then you can use a car space, because the 60-inch-wide aisle will be enough. Whether you are traveling in a car, van, or SUV, these spaces will be large enough provided you will not be using a ramp or lift.

If your vehicle has a ramp or lift on both sides, and passengers will be entering and exiting on both sides, you will need to use a van space with two-sided entry.

Dr Handicap - disabled parking sign on wall
Image by StephanieAlbert on Pixabay: How can you know which disabled parking space is right for you? It all depends on your vehicle.

How Many Disabled Spaces Are Parking Lots Required To Contain?

Under the ADA, all parking lots must contain disabled parking spaces, including at least one space for vans. The amount of mandatory disabled spaces increases with the size of the parking lot.

For example, smaller parking lots with 1–25 spaces must contain at least one accessible parking space for vans. For larger parking lots of between 501–1000 spaces, 2% of total spaces must be disabled, including 2–4 accessible parking space for vans.

How Do You Get A Disabled Parking Permit?

If you do not yet have a disabled parking permit, the easiest way to get one is to apply through Dr. Handicap. You’ll have a telemedicine consultation with a registered physician, who will examine you, recommend the type of disabled permit you will need, and provide you with a letter of recommendation.

Featured image by Binyamin Mellish on Pexels