Businesses that accommodate people with disabilities may qualify for some of the following tax credits and deductions. Access the publications and forms directly from the IRS, or talk to an accountant to see how your business might benefit.
The Disabled Access Credit provides a non-refundable credit for small businesses that incur expenditures for the purpose of providing access to persons with disabilities.
The Architectural Barrier Removal Tax Deduction encourages businesses of any size to remove architectural and transportation barriers to the mobility of persons with disabilities and the elderly. Businesses may claim a deduction of up to $15,000 a year for qualified expenses for items that normally must be capitalized. Businesses claim the deduction by listing it as a separate expense on their income tax return.
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit provides employers with a federal income tax credit for hiring new employees who meet certain criteria. Any size employer is eligible and jobs can be full-time, part-time or even temporary. There's no limit on the number of individuals you can hire and applying for WOTC is simple and requires little paperwork.
For more detailed information, visit DEED's WOTC information.
Workers' compensation rates are based solely on the relative hazards of the operation and the organization's accident history, not on whether or not workers have disabilities.
According to 2002 U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission disability statistics, 73% of companies report no cost increases attributable to extending health, life, and/or disability coverage to employees or their dependents with disabilities.
For more information about workers' compensation and health costs related to employees who have disabilities, visit the Department of Labor and Industry and search "work comp." Contact the Workers' Compensation Hotline at 1-800-DIAL-DLI (1-800-342-5354) extension 2.
