Step-by-Step Guide For ADA Compliance Tax Credits
Struggling to decode the digital maze, especially in meeting ADA compliance standards for your website? Hold up – not only does this help you make your site more accessible, but there’s a cherry on top. You could qualify for ADA tax credits! Let’s dish out the dirt on how the small business owners like us can grab those tax incentives for the websites.
Understanding ADA Website Compliance
Got a website? Fantastic! But just hitting ‘publish’ and calling it a day is not our way. You’ve gotta make sure it’s accessible, not just for Jack and Jill, but for everyone! Yeah, you heard us. That includes people with disabilities – be it visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, or neurological. They deserve internet love, the same as anyone.
So, when we say make your website ADA compliant, it’s not just because it’s the law, but because it’s the right step towards a more inclusive World Wide Web. Inclusivity is not just a buzzword, it’s a commitment! Take a few extra steps during your website build to make sure your website is accessible to all. Trust us, it’s well worth it!
Features Of Accessible Websites
Boasting top-quality features is so old school! Today, we’re unveiling the real deal in accomplishing a top-notch user experience that elevates your website from “meh” to magnificent. Let’s dive into the details of web accessibility, shall we?
- User-Friendly Navigation
- Readable Text
- Optimal Performance
- Mobile Friendly
- Inclusive Design
- Search Engine Optimized
So, you’re privy to the ins and outs now. Let us guide you on snagging that tax credit to nail each and every one of your goals.
What Is The ADA Tax Credit?
Just when you thought running a small business couldn’t get any cooler, the ADA Tax Credit steps in, saying ‘Hold my beer’. This nifty little thing, whipped up by Uncle Sam himself, is here to take the edge off the cost of making your business more accessible. Catch this… it’ll cover a whopping 50% of your eligible expenses in a year, up to a cool $10,250. Yes, you read that right. That’s a maximum tax credit of $5,000.
And guess who’s invited to this accessibility party? Businesses that drummed up a sweet $1 million or less in revenue or had a rocking team of 30 full-timers or fewer last year. What a time to be alive!
Steps for the ADA Tax Credit For Your Website
To take advantage of the ADA tax credit, you’ll first need to ensure your website meets the compliance standards. Here are the steps to make your website ADA-compliant, many of which our partner, accessiBe, can help with.
- Check Those Guidelines, Baby: Yes, there are standards, and they’re called WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). The 2.0 version is thrown around most often, but don’t forget that a juicy 2.1 version also exists. These guidelines are the gold standard of ADA compliance for your website, so don’t miss ’em.
- Ramp Up Your Website Like A Boss: Now that we’re all chummy with WCAG, it’s time to implement those guidelines. Focus on making navigating the site a breeze for everyone. This includes enabling keyboard functionality, making sure text contrasts enough with the background, and minimizing flashing lights. It’s like throwing a bash – you want it to be easily accessible and fun for everyone.
- Compatibility With Iframes: Remember, not everyone’s surfing the web with the same tools. Compatibility with assistive technologies must be ensured. From screen readers to speech recognition software, your site needs to play nicely with these tools. If it doesn’t, it’s gonna be as lonely as a Vegas nightclub during a power outage.
- The Test-o-Rama: Testing, testing, 1-2-3! With your website changes in place, we recommend running your website through a site scan tool. It’ll check for any accessibility oversights. Sure, no test is perfect, but it’ll still catch more than you might on a busy Friday afternoon!
- Continual Monitoring: Keep running regular checks to ensure you’re remaining compliant. Like keeping those party balloons inflated, it demands continuous attention.
- Don’t Forget The Documentation: Document all your efforts for compliance, darling. If a claim does arise, having detailed records of your efforts to achieve website accessibility can provide an A-grade defense.
Score one for becoming compliant! Now, all you need to bag that ADA tax credit is to dance with us through a few essential steps:
Claiming The ADA Tax Credit
So, you’ve got your website all compliant and up to code, huh? Good for you! But don’t start celebrating just yet. There are a few crucial steps you need to tackle to get your hands on that sweet ADA tax credit. Are you ready to rock this paperwork?
- Document all Expenses: Keep detailed records of all expenses related to ADA compliance improvements, including consultancy fees, purchases made for accessibility tools, and staff training.
- Fill Out IRS Form 8826: Use IRS Form 8826 to claim the Disabled Access Credit. This form will require detailed information about the qualifying expenditures.
- Attach to Your Business Tax Return: Submit this form along with your yearly business tax return.
Hand this vital info to your CPA, then sit back and relish the ease. Trust us, your CPA will be singing your praises!