Access Technology Affordability Act of 2017

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a refundable tax credit against income tax for the purchase of qualified access technology for the blind. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Access Technology Affordability Act of 2017 2. Credit for qualified access technology for the blind (a) In general Subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 36C. Credit for qualified access technology for the blind (a) Allowance of the credit There shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle an amount equal to amounts paid during the taxable year, not compensated for by insurance or otherwise, by the taxpayer for qualified access technology for use by a qualified blind individual who is the taxpayer, the taxpayer’s spouse, or any dependent (as defined in section 152) of the taxpayer. (b) Limitations (1) Per individual For purposes of this section, the aggregate amount of the credit per qualified blind individual shall not exceed $2,500 in any period comprising three consecutive taxable years. (2) Modified adjusted gross income The amount of credit allowed under this subsection without regard to this paragraph shall be reduced (but not below zero) by $100 for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) by which the taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of a joint return). (c) Definitions For purposes of this section— (1) Qualified blind individual The term qualified blind individual (2) Qualified access technology defined The term qualified access technology (d) Denial of double benefit No credit shall be allowed under subsection (a) for any expense for which a deduction or credit is allowed under any other provision of this chapter. (e) Inflation adjustments (1) Dollar limitation on amount of credit (A) In general In the case of a taxable year beginning after 2018, the dollar amount in subsection (b)(1) shall be increased by an amount equal to— (i) such dollar amount, multiplied by (ii) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting calendar year 2017 calendar year 1992 (B) Rounding If any amount as adjusted under subparagraph (A) is not a multiple of $100, such amount shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $100. (2) Income limits (A) In general In the case of a taxable year beginning after 2018, the $75,000 and $150,000 dollar amounts in subsection (b)(2) shall each be increased by an amount equal to— (i) such dollar amount, multiplied by (ii) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting calendar year 2017 calendar year 1992 (B) Rounding If any amount as adjusted under subparagraph (A) is not a multiple of $1,000, such amount shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $1,000. . (b) Conforming amendments (1) Section 6211(b)(4)(A) of such Code is amended by inserting 36C, 36B, (2) Section 1324(b)(2) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting 36C, 36B, (3) The table of sections for subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 Sec. 36C. Credit for qualified access technology for the blind. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.

Summary: Access Technology Affordability Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit equal to the amounts paid for qualified access technology for use by a blind individual who is the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or any dependent of the taxpayer. "Qualified access technology" is hardware, software, or other information technology with the primary function of converting or adapting information that is visually represented into forms or formats useable by blind individuals. The credit is limited to: (1) costs that are not compensated by insurance or otherwise, and (2) an aggregate amount of $2,500 per blind individual in any period comprising three consecutive taxable years. The credit is also subject to limits based on modified adjusted gross income and adjustments for inflation.