Disability Employment Incentive Act

Disability Employment Incentive Act

This bill expands tax credits and deductions that are available for employers who hire and retain employees with disabilities.

The bill expands the work opportunity tax credit to include the hiring of employees who receive disability insurance benefits under the Social Security Act. For employers who hire vocational rehabilitation referrals, Supplemental Security Income recipients, or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients, the bill (1) increases the amount of wages that may be taken into account for the credit, and (2) allows an additional credit for second-year wages.

With respect to the tax credit for expenditures by eligible small businesses to provide access to disabled individuals, the bill (1) increases the limits that apply to the amount of expenditures that are eligible for the credit, and (2) modifies the gross receipts and full-time employee eligibility criteria for such businesses.

The bill also expands the tax deduction for expenditures to remove architectural and transportation barriers to the handicapped and elderly. The bill modifies the deduction to (1) increase the limitation on the amount of the deduction, and (2) include expenses for certain improvements in the accessibility of internet or telecommunications services to handicapped and elderly individuals.