How to Claim the Elderly or Disabled Tax Credit

This credit specifically helps out older individuals; although, as the title suggests, permanently disabled individuals can also benefit.

This page:

  • Briefly outlines the credit for the elderly or disabled.

  • Describes the eligible candidates for this tax credit

  • Suggests tax deductions not dependent on income

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What is the credit for the elderly or disabled?

This nonrefundable credit is designed to benefit low-income, older individuals, or individuals whose ability to earn income is severely affected by a permanent disability.

The most that can be claimed as part of this tax credit is $1,125. However, the final amount depends on your income.

Who is eligible to claim this credit?

Individuals who are U.S. citizens and either older than 65 or disabled may be entitled to this credit.

Your eligibility is based upon your income, reduced by any social security and disability benefits. The amount you can earn and still be eligible for this credit is very little, so few people can actually claim it.

The form used to determine eligibility and calculate the credit, Schedule R, is rather long and complicated and can be a complete waste of time if you can't actually claim the credit.

Instead of wasting time with these superfluous calculations, use TurboTax .

By completing the online filing interview, your eligibility is determined without the extra form.

If you are entitled to the credit you will automatically be directed to the related section and walked through the procedure.

TurboTax completes the additional Schedule R tax from and includes it with your electronic tax return. No extra calculations are necessary and you avert the hassle. Plus, you'll be able to work on your return for free, and if you satisfy certain income requirements, you may even be able to e-file free of charge.

Related IRS publications

You can get more information about the credit for the elderly or the disabled directly from the IRS, in the form of Publication 524.

For further tax information for the elderly, consult Publication 907.

For further tax information for the disabled, consult Publication 554. If you are filing a paper return, you will also need to include Schedule R with your 1040 form. (If you file online, this will be taken care of for you automatically.)

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