In Brief — HR 5254
Senior Accessible Housing Act
by Kristin Easterling
Thursday, October 6, 2016

People age 60 and older making home modifications for accessibility as they age

Many seniors would prefer to age in place—that is, age in their own homes. The Senior Accessible Housing Act seeks to make this a reality for more people by creating a tax credit for accessible home modifications. What’s Included:

  • The installation of entrance and exit ramps
     
  • The widening of doorways
     
  • The installation of handrails and grab bars
     
  • The installation of nonslip flooring
     
  • General labor and material costs
     
  • Other modifications as determined by the IRS (together with the Department of Health and Human Services) that would enhance the ability of individuals to live safely and independently at home
     
A tax credit up to $30,000 for home modifications

Who Introduced It: Representatives Patrick Murphy (D-Florida), Bruce Poliquin (R-Maine) and John Conyers, Jr. (D-Michigan). The bill is currently under consideration in the House Ways and Means Committee and includes 18 co-sponsors. For more information and to track this bill’s progress, visit www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/5254/text.