ADA Web Development Tax Credit

Ensuring your website is ADA-compliant is not just a legal requirement, but also a step toward creating an inclusive digital environment. By taking advantage of the ADA web development tax credit through custom web development, your business can offset some of the costs associated with making your website accessible, while demonstrating commitment to inclusivity and expanding your audience reach.

What Is ADA Web Development Tax Credit?

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Web Development Tax Credit is a financial incentive designed to encourage businesses to make their websites accessible to individuals with disabilities. The  Disabled Access Credit (Section 44) is part of the broader efforts under the ADA to ensure equal access to all areas of public life, including the digital space.^[1]

Under Section 44 of the IRS Code, this tax credit applies to 50% of qualified accessibility expenditures from the previous tax year. The maximum limit for these expenditures is set at $10,250. However, the first $250 of these costs is not eligible for the credit and is therefore deducted from the calculation. As a result, the maximum credit a business can obtain is $5,000.

Eligibility For the ADA Tax Credit

Business Size

Typically, small businesses are the primary beneficiaries of this tax credit. A small business is generally defined as one that earned $1 million or less in the previous tax year or had no more than 30 full-time employees.

Accessibility Expenditures

The expenses must be related to making a business or website accessible to people with disabilities. This can include costs incurred in removing barriers, providing accessible communication formats, or making modifications to an accessible website.

Compliance with ADA Standards

The improvements or modifications must comply with ADA standards. For web development, this means following established Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that the website is accessible to individuals with a range of disabilities.

Eligible Expenses

Eligible expenses may include costs for consulting services, purchasing necessary equipment or software, and expenses related to the modification of websites. It's important to keep detailed records of these expenses for tax purposes.

Accessibility Features for an ADA-Compliant Website

To qualify for the ADA tax credit, the website modifications must meet certain ADA compliance standards. These standards typically involve ensuring that the website is navigable and understandable for people with disabilities, and that it can interact seamlessly with assistive technologies like screen readers.

Designing an ADA-compliant website involves ensuring that your website is accessible to individuals with a variety of disabilities, including those with visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive impairments. Here are key steps and considerations for creating an ADA-compliant website:

1. Follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): WCAG provides a set of guidelines to make web content more accessible. Ensure your website meets at least WCAG 2.1 AA standards, which are commonly regarded as the benchmark for ADA compliance.
2. Text Alternatives: Provide text alternatives (alt text) for non-text content such as images, videos, and audio files. This allows screen readers to describe these elements to visually impaired users.
3. Keyboard Navigation: Ensure your website can be fully navigated using a keyboard. This is crucial for users with motor impairments who cannot use a mouse.
4. Readable and Understandable Content: Use clear, concise language and provide definitions for any unusual words or phrases. Organize content in a logical way.
5. Consistent Navigation: Maintain consistent navigation across pages. This helps users with cognitive disabilities to better understand and navigate your site.
6. Adjustable Text and Colors: Allow users to adjust text sizes and color contrasts. High contrast between text and background colors is essential for users with visual impairments.
7. Accessible Forms: Label form elements clearly, and ensure error messages are descriptive enough to help users understand how to correct the error.
8. Time-based Media Alternatives: Provide alternatives for time-based media, such as captions for videos and transcripts for audio content.
9. Avoid Seizure-Inducing Content: Ensure that no content flashes more than three times in any one-second period to avoid triggering seizures in individuals with photosensitive epilepsy.
10. Responsive and Mobile-Friendly Design: Ensure your website is responsive on different devices and screen sizes, as many users with disabilities rely on mobile devices.

Bliss Drive: Your Partner in ADA Tax Credits Web Development

At Bliss Drive, our expertise lies in developing websites that meet rigorous ADA standards, ensuring inclusivity for all users while providing your business with the opportunity to benefit from valuable tax credits.

Our Services

• Expert Design: Our team of skilled web designers and developers are well-versed in ADA compliance requirements, ensuring your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
• Custom Solutions: We tailor our custom web development approach to suit your unique business needs while adhering to ADA guidelines.
• Ongoing Assessment: We offer regular website audits and updates to maintain ADA compliance as standards evolve.
• Technical Assistance: Our team is available to provide continuous support and answer any questions regarding ADA compliance and tax credit processes.

Unlock the full potential of your online presence with Bliss Drive’s expert ADA-compliant web development services. Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance accessibility and qualify for valuable tax credits. Our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.

Schedule your consultation now and take the first step towards a more inclusive, compliant, and profitable digital future with Bliss Drive!