The "Access Technology Affordability Act of 2025" creates a tax credit of up to $2,000 every three years for blind individuals who purchase qualified access technology.
Mike Kelly
Representative
PA-16
The "Access Technology Affordability Act of 2025" introduces a tax credit for blind individuals who purchase qualified access technology, such as hardware or software that converts visual information into accessible formats. The credit is capped at $2,000 per blind individual over any three consecutive tax years and will be adjusted for inflation after 2026. This credit is effective for tax years starting after December 31, 2025, and expires after December 31, 2030. It ensures that individuals cannot claim double benefits for the same expenses.
New Tax Credit Helps Blind Individuals Afford Access Tech: Up to $2,000 Available, Starting 2026
The "Access Technology Affordability Act of 2025" (SEC. 1) is pretty straightforward: it creates a tax credit to help folks who are legally blind buy the tech they need to access information. Think screen readers, special software, and other hardware that converts visual stuff into formats usable by blind individuals (SEC. 2).
Making Tech More Accessible
Starting in 2026 (SEC. 2), if you, your spouse, or a dependent is legally blind (as defined in section 63(f)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code), you can get a tax credit for the cost of "qualified access technology" (SEC. 2). This means hardware, software, or other information technology that helps convert visually presented information into things like audio or braille. The maximum credit is $2,000 per blind individual over any three-year period (SEC. 2). So, if you spend $3,000 on a specialized computer in 2026, you can only claim $2,000. You'll have to wait until 2029 to claim any more under this specific credit. It means, for a family with a blind parent and child, the potential credit could be up to $4,000 every three years, making a real difference in affording necessary equipment.
Keeping Up With Costs
One smart move in this bill is that they're adjusting the $2,000 limit for inflation after 2026 (SEC. 2). That means the credit should keep up with rising prices, at least somewhat. They'll round it down to the nearest $100, though (SEC. 2). Also, you can't double-dip – if you're already getting a tax break for these expenses somewhere else, you can't claim this credit too (SEC. 2). The credit is set to expire after 2030 (SEC. 2). This "sunset" clause means lawmakers will need to revisit the program in a few years to see if it's working as intended, or needs changes.
Real-World Impact
This bill could be a game-changer for people like Sarah, a freelance graphic designer who recently lost her sight. The cost of a good screen reader and specialized software can easily run into the thousands, which is a major barrier. With this credit, Sarah could get some much-needed financial relief, making it easier for her to keep working and stay independent. It's not just about work, either. This tech helps with everything from online banking to reading the news, making daily life significantly more manageable.