A tax credit reduces the amount of income tax you owe dollar for dollar. Some tax credits are even refundable, meaning you could receive money back even if your tax bill is low. This is why tax credits are often more powerful than tax deductions, which only reduce your taxable income.
For blind and low vision taxpayers, understanding which tax credits you qualify for can lead to a larger refund or a lower tax bill. Below is an overview of common tax credits highlighted by the IRS and why they matter.
Common Tax Credits
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
This credit helps families with qualifying children. For tax year 2025, the credit is worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child.
Learn more from the IRS:
https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-tax-credit
Child and Dependent Care Credit
This credit may help if you paid for child or dependent care so you could work or look for work.
IRS details:
https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-and-dependent-care-credit-information
Saver’s Credit (Retirement Savings Contributions Credit)
The Saver’s Credit may be available if you made eligible contributions to:
- An Individual Retirement Account (IRA), or
- An employer-sponsored retirement plan
The maximum credit is $1,000, or $2,000 if married filing jointly.
Important Note for Blind Workers and ABLE Accounts
Many blind workers do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. The good news is that eligible contributions to an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account can count toward the Saver’s Credit.
This means that if you are blind and eligible to contribute to an ABLE account, your contributions may help you qualify for the Saver’s Credit even without a workplace retirement plan.
Learn more about ABLE accounts from the IRS:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/able-accounts-can-help-people-with-disabilities-save-for-their-future
Refundable Tax Credits
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
This credit supports low- to moderate-income workers and families. The amount depends on income, filing status, and family size.
IRS information:
https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc
Premium Tax Credit
Available to taxpayers who purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace and meet income requirements.
IRS details:
https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/individuals-and-families/the-premium-tax-credit
Fuel Tax Credit
May apply if fuel was purchased for off-highway business or farming use.
Partially Refundable Tax Credits
Additional Child Tax Credit
For 2025, up to $1,700 per qualifying child may be refundable.
Adoption Tax Credit
For eligible adoptions, the maximum credit for 2025 is $17,280 per child, with up to $5,000 refundable.
American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)
Helps offset qualified education expenses for eligible college students. The credit is worth up to $2,500 per year, with up to $1,000 refundable.
IRS education credits overview:
https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/education-credits-questions-and-answers
Watch Out for Tax Credit Scams
Scammers sometimes promote misleading information about tax credits to promise large refunds. Always verify eligibility before claiming a credit.
The IRS Interactive Tax Assistant can help you determine whether you qualify for many tax credits and deductions:
https://www.irs.gov/help/ita
Join Our February 11 Workshop on Taxes
Want help understanding tax credits and how they apply to you?
Join Penny Forward’s February 11 Wednesday Workshop, where we will walk through tax topics that matter most to blind and low vision individuals.
👉 Register here:
https://www.pennyforward.com/wednesday-workshops/
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