At ADL we’re not in it for the glory. We love helping our customers meet their needs. But it sure is satisfying to get a letter like this one from a customer we helped with a state chairlift tax credit.
“Mark, thought I would let you know that I received a letter of approval for the chairlift tax credit today. They awarded me a $1,600 state tax credit (half the cost of the chair lift). Thanks again for alerting me to this option and for helping with the documentation. Very helpful; you’re the best.”
What Is the Virginia Livable Home Tax Credit?
The Virginia Livable Home Tax Credit is available to Virginia residents to help them purchase a new home suitable for their needs or make existing residential units disability friendly to “improve accessibility and universal visitability in Virginia’s residential units.”
The credit covers up to $6500. That can go a long way toward improving your home’s accessibility or helping you cover the down payment for a home that already has what you need.
Of course, at ADL, we primarily work with people who are making home improvements, such as adding stairlifts, wheelchair lifts, grab bars, and more, so that they can safely age in place.
But you can use the credit for anything that makes your home more livable for those with accessibility challenges! Some examples of ways to use the credit (directly from the application) include:
- An accessible route to a zero-step entrance into the residence
- Zero-step entrance into the residence
- Doors with at least 32 inches of clear width
- Hallways and passages with at least 36 inches of clear width Accessible light switches, electrical outlets, and environmental controls
- Accessible bathroom
- Accessible and useable kitchen facilities
- Chair Lifts & Elevators
- Sensory Modifications
How Do You Get It?
To get a Virginia Livable Home Tax Credit, you need a plan to make your home more livable and documentation showing how you’ll do it. You will then complete an application on the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development website. It explains everything you need, but we can help (more on that in the next section).
Besides a plan and documentation, your home will need to meet specific minimum requirements to prove that with the new changes, it can accommodate someone with accessibility or similar issues. The fund has a limited amount of cash assistance available each year, so applying early can pay off. However, if your application is approved, you’ll automatically be put in the front of the line for next year if they run out of funds the year you apply.
How Can We Help?
Since we’ve been installing stairlifts, wheelchairs, and more at ADL for many years, we understand the ins and outs of applying for a Virginia Livable Home Tax Credit. We can help you with your application by advising you on how to do it correctly and providing all of the backup documentation you need to prove that you are making livability accommodations to your home.
Applying for tax credits can be a complex process, so it helps to have someone who’s been through it and knows the ropes on your team. We want to do all we can to help you age in place and have a safe, happy life!