Legally blind deduction?

I was "blind" for most of last year (2016) d/t bilateral cataracts. I was unable to safely drive to work or even work at my primary occupation until I had corrective surgery earlier this year. I have copies from the optometrist stating my bilateral field of vision was not correctable with any strengthening of my current corrective lenses and to refrain from driving or working until I received eye surgery.) Am I able to file for the legally blind deduction for last year? Tnx.

posted

I believe you are referring to the additional standard deduction amount. If you are claiming the standard deduction, it will be increased by $1250.00 to $1550 depending on your filing status.

As far as whether or not you can file as legally blind it depends on what your corrected vision was in your best eye.

Please look at the information you can find at the link below:

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/General-Tax-Tips/Tax-Tips-for-the-Blind/INF23092.html