My dad is 87 and has been in a wheelchair since 2012 and he permanently confined to it. Is he disabled for Fed Tax purposes?

[SweetieJean]

Are you asking about this?
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/credit-for-the-elderly-or-the-disabled">https://w...>

[xmasbaby0]

ELDERLY OR DISABLED CREDIT <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/do-i-qualify-for-the-credit-for-the-elderly-or-disabled">https://www.ir...>

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

Yes, BUT

If you are claiming him as a dependent, his disability does not change the dependent rules or get you any additional credits or deductions. You are allowed to deduct your dependent's medical expenses, regardless of their disability status.

If he files his own tax return, There is a credit for the elderly or disabled (you don't have to be both). But because it has not been adjusted for inflation since 1983, very very few people qualify. If you qualify, TurboTax (TT) will automatically calculate it. It is not a refundable credit. That is, you must have a tax liability to offset to get the credit. Very few people, with that little income have an actual tax to offset. 

 Having any social security income at all works against you. Essentially your potential credit is reduced by any tax you "shoulda paid” on the untaxed Social security income. If you have more than $5000 social security ($7500 Married Filing Jointly and both are elderly or disabled) or VA benefits you will not qualify for the credit.

If you think you qualify, and TT missed it, In TurboTax (TT), enter at:

Federal Taxes Tab (Personal for H&B version)

Deductions & Credits

“I’ll choose what I want to work on” button

-Scroll down to:

--Other deductions & Credits

  -Elderly or Disabled credit