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People with Disabilities Work - Taxes

'Taxes' flyer (PDF).

'Taxes' flyer (Large Print, PDF)

Painting of a desert formations.

'Southwest' by Bertie Wood (2007, Oil Painting). WVU CED Fine Arts Program

For some people with disabilities who go back to work, paying taxes is not the first thing that comes to mind. Depending on your income and your disability, you may not have to pay taxes, but it is important for you to file a tax return. In fact, you might even get additional cash.

What you really need to know about taxes if you work

  • People who work must file both federal and state tax returns.
  • The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (www.irs.gov) is the federal tax agency.
  • West Virginia State Tax Department (www.wvtax.gov) is the state tax agency.
  • You should get help with your taxes from a professional. Call 211 to find out about free tax help in your area.

Federal Income Taxes

As a person with a disability, you may qualify for special tax deductions, income exclusions and credits. This means you may pay less tax or no tax.

IRS Publication 3966, Living and Working with Disabilities, provides basic tax information on deductions available for qualifying taxpayers with disabilities and for parents of children with disabilities.

If your earnings are low, you could be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Even if you pay no taxes, you may still get money back. Publication 596, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), explains this credit.

Other helpful IRS publications include:

  • Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses
  • Publication 524, Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled
  • Publication 907, Tax Highlights for Persons with Disabilities
  • Publication 503, Child Dependent Tax Credit

All IRS materials are available at http://www.irs.gov/app/picklist/list/publicationsNoticesPdf.html. If you have questions about these credits or benefits, call 800-829-1040. If you use TTY/TDD equipment, call 800-829-4059 to order materials and to ask tax questions.

Painting of a sailboat.

'My Sailboat (from Hopper)' by Stephanie Syers (Oil Painting). WVU CED Fine Arts Program

West Virginia State Taxes

In West Virginia, a person who is "permanently and totally disabled" may be eligible for an income credit of up to $8000.00. The credit is claimed on the Schedule M. A doctor must also fill out a Schedule H. For more information contact the WV State Tax Department at 800-982-8297 or www.wvtax.gov

Free Tax Help

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites offer free electronic tax return preparation to people with low to moderate income. VITA sites are staffed by trained volunteers who are certified by IRS. These volunteers can answer your questions on a variety of tax subjects. Call 800-829-1040 for a VITA site near you or call 211 about free tax help in your area.

Items you'll need to bring with you to obtain this free service are:

  • Photo identification
  • Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents
  • Wage and earning statements
  • Interest and dividend statements from banks
  • Copies of last year's federal and state tax returns
  • Bank routing and account numbers, if you want refunds deposited directly to your account
  • Total amount paid for day care
  • Day care provider's tax identification number
  • List of itemized deductions
  • Other information about your income and expenses

There are several free online tax filing services available. To find out if you are eligible or to get more information on these services visit http://www.wvtax.gov/freeIncomeTaxEfile.html.

Contact the the West Virginia State Tax Department for tax information at 800-982-8297.

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