New Tax Credit Could Help Seniors Stay Home
Heyo! You know that moment when everyday home features like stairs, narrow doorways, or high thresholds start creating daily challenges for aging family members?
AARP survey data shows 75% of adults age 50 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age. However, installing necessary accessibility updates can create major out-of-pocket expenses.
This issue stems from a major gap in healthcare coverage, as Medicare generally does not pay for structural modifications like wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, or grab bars. U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, a Democrat from Maryland, introduced the Senior Accessible Housing Tax Credit Act of 2026 to ease that financial burden. “This critical legislation allows for seniors to stay in their homes — for many that means homes they love and have been in for decades —and install essential, aging-related modifications,” Alsobrooks said.
- Up to $10,000 tax credit:** Eligible taxpayers age 60 and older could receive a nonrefundable tax credit of up to $10,000 annually for accessibility modifications on a primary or secondary home.
- Covered accessibility projects:** The proposal applies to improvements such as wheelchair ramps, grab bars, non-slip flooring, chair lifts, widened doorways, bathtub cuts, and replacement faucets or vanities.
- Labor costs included:** The bill covers installation, assembly, and preparation labor costs, though routine cosmetic renovations like standard kitchen remodels would not qualify.
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat from New York and top Democrat on the Senate Committee on Aging, co-sponsored the legislation alongside support from the National Association of Realtors. “A safe, accessible place for seniors to live should be a right, not a privilege,” Gillibrand said. Representative George Latimer, a Democrat from New York, introduced companion legislation in the House.
Keep in mind that this proposed tax credit is not currently law and would require passage by Congress and a signature from President Donald Trump. Under existing IRS rules, taxpayers must itemize deductions and can only deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income when tied to a specific medical need.
As we help aging family members navigate stairs and narrow doorways, this proposed tax credit could make remaining safely in a longtime home much more affordable.