Aging-In-Place (Seniors/Mobility Issues)
What is the Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)?
The Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC) is a tax credit (up to $10,000) you can claim on your tax returns for “eligible expenses for a qualifying renovation of an eligible dwelling”. People aged 65 or older or eligible for the disability tax credit qualify. Generally speaking, you must own the home and usually live in it. The renovations must allow the person to gain access to or be mobile/functional within the home, and reduce the risk of harm to that person inside the home or when gaining access to the home.
What types of renovations can help me age-in-place or otherwise help with my mobility issues?
There are many changes, big and small, that can be done inside and outside a home to improve safety and accessibility, including:
- Hand rails or grab bars around the toilet, tub and shower and in corridors
- Handheld showers on adjustable rods
- Wheel in showers or walk in tubs
- Lowering the height of cabinets or countertops and sinks
- Widening doorways for wheelchair access
- Ramps
- Easy use door locks
- Lever handles for doors instead of knobs
- Lever or hands free taps for sinks
- Raised toilets
- Installation of additional light fixtures for visibility
- Motion activated lighting
- Light switches and electrical outlets placed in convenient locations
- Non-slip flooring
How can I get started?
Please look for more information on our AGING-IN-PLACE (MOBILITY ISSUES) portion of our website. We are happy to meet with you to discuss your needs and answer all your questions, so please feel free to contact us at any time.