How the ADA Tax Credit Can Reduce the Cost of Making Your Website Accessible

Creating an accessible website isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s increasingly becoming a business necessity. Consumers expect inclusive digital experiences, and companies of all sizes are recognizing that accessibility improves user satisfaction, boosts conversions, and protects them from legal risk.

But many business owners don’t realize there’s also a financial benefit: the IRS offers an ADA Tax Credit that can significantly offset the cost of accessibility improvements, including websites and digital services.

At Left Coast Marketing, we’ve been helping brands modernize their online presence with design, content, and digital tools that support accessibility. In this guide, we break down how the ADA Tax Credit works, who qualifies, and how businesses can take advantage of it — especially those planning to upgrade their website in the coming year.

What Is the ADA Tax Credit?

The Disabled Access Credit, often referred to as the ADA Tax Credit, is a federal incentive created to help small businesses afford the cost of accessibility improvements.

While many assume it only applies to physical accommodations, the IRS specifically allows the credit to be used for digital accessibility, including:

Website accessibility audits
Website remediation
Tools and software that improve online accessibility
Training related to ADA compliance
Updates to ensure digital content meets WCAG standards

This gives businesses a straightforward way to lower the cost of making their websites inclusive and ADA-friendly.

Who Qualifies for the ADA Tax Credit?

The credit is designed for small businesses, and the IRS defines eligibility using two criteria. You must meet one of the following:

✔ Your business has 30 or fewer full-time employees, OR
✔ Your business earned $1 million or less in total revenue last year

Most small and midsized businesses fall inside this range, which means many brands can take advantage of this incentive without even realizing it.

How Much Can Your Business Save?

The ADA Tax Credit covers 50% of eligible accessibility expenses, up to $5,000 per year.

Here’s how it works:

You can claim the credit on accessibility expenses between $250 and $10,250
The maximum yearly credit is $5,000

This means if your business invests in website accessibility — whether through a redesign, audit, or improvement project — half of those costs may be reimbursed through your tax return.

Example

If you spend $8,000 on accessibility upgrades:

Eligible amount: $7,750 (after the first $250)
Credit: 50% × $7,750 = $3,875 tax credit

That’s real savings that directly reduce what you owe in taxes — not just a deduction, but a dollar-for-dollar credit.

Website Accessibility Counts — Here’s Why

Many companies still believe ADA compliance applies only to physical spaces, but multiple legal rulings have made it clear:

Websites are considered “places of public accommodation.”

This means your business website must provide equal access to all users, including those who rely on:

Screen readers
Keyboard navigation
Assistive technology
Text enlargement
Color contrast support
Captioning or transcripts

From a business perspective, accessibility isn’t simply compliance — it’s good customer experience. An accessible website:

Reaches more customers
Reduces bounce rates
Improves search engine visibility
Builds trust and brand reputation
Reduces the risk of ADA-related lawsuits

With the ADA Tax Credit helping absorb some of the cost, now is an ideal time for small businesses to modernize their site and improve accessibility.

What Website Expenses Qualify?

While tax professionals should make the final determination, businesses commonly claim the credit for expenses related to:

1. Accessibility Audits

Professional evaluations of your website’s current accessibility level, identifying barriers and WCAG gaps.

2. Website Remediation

Fixing issues such as poor contrast, missing alt text, incorrect heading structure, inaccessible forms, video captioning, and more.

3. Accessible Website Redesign

If you choose to redesign your site with access-first best practices, those costs may be eligible.

4. Software or Tools

Purchasing accessibility tools, scanners, or assistive technology integrations.

5. ADA-Related Training

Staff training related to digital accessibility or ADA compliance.

If Left Coast Marketing supports your redesign, content updates, or accessibility-aligned site improvements, those project costs may qualify toward the credit.

How to Claim the ADA Tax Credit

Claiming the credit is straightforward. Businesses use:

IRS Form 8826 — Disabled Access Credit

You attach this form to your annual tax return. Your accountant or tax preparer can help ensure everything is filed correctly.

Be sure to keep records and itemized invoices for all qualifying expenses.

Why Now Is the Best Time to Upgrade Your Website

Web accessibility is accelerating across all industries. Customers expect faster, easier, and more inclusive user experiences. Search engines reward accessible websites. And ADA-related lawsuits continue to rise each year, especially for e-commerce, hospitality, real estate, and service-based businesses.

Making your site accessible now means:

Lower legal risk
Stronger brand credibility
Better user engagement
Higher conversions
Easier long-term maintenance

And with the ADA Tax Credit reimbursing up to $5,000 per year, it’s one of the smartest digital investments a business can make.

Work With Left Coast Marketing to Improve Your Website Accessibility

If your business is planning to upgrade its website, improve ADA compliance, or redesign with accessibility built in, our team at Left Coast Marketing can help.

We specialize in:

Accessible design and UX
Mobile-friendly website builds
WCAG-aligned layouts and structures
Content optimization for readability
Ongoing site improvements

We make the entire process clear, simple, and strategic.

Final Thoughts

The ADA Tax Credit is one of the most overlooked advantages available to small businesses, especially those planning to modernize their website. By leveraging this federal incentive, companies can significantly reduce the cost of improving accessibility while creating a better online experience for all users.

If you’re considering a site refresh or accessibility audit, now is the perfect time to take action.