Taking Advantage of the ADA Tax Credit to Make Your Website ADA Compliant

Why Website Accessibility Is No Longer Optional

Website accessibility has shifted from a “nice-to-have” feature to a business necessity. As more customers rely on digital channels to research, shop, book services, and communicate, an inaccessible website creates real barriers—and real risk. In 2026, accessibility is about inclusion, compliance, and smart business strategy. When we invest in an ADA-compliant website, we’re not just checking a legal box; we’re expanding our reach, strengthening trust, and improving the experience for every visitor.

Understanding ADA Compliance in the Digital World

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law long before websites became essential business tools. Yet courts and regulators have increasingly interpreted the ADA to apply to digital experiences. In practice, this means business websites should be usable by individuals with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities. Accessibility guidelines typically follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which focus on making content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.

The Hidden Cost of an Inaccessible Website

An inaccessible website can quietly cost businesses in multiple ways. Users may leave out of frustration, search engines may rank the site lower, and legal exposure continues to rise. ADA-related website lawsuits have increased significantly over the past several years, particularly for small and mid-sized businesses that assumed compliance didn’t apply to them. The reality is simple: accessibility issues can be expensive—but fixing them doesn’t have to be.

Introducing the ADA Tax Credit (Section 44)

Many small business owners are surprised to learn that the federal government actually offers financial help to offset the cost of accessibility improvements. The Disabled Access Credit—commonly referred to as the ADA tax credit—is designed to encourage small businesses to remove barriers for people with disabilities. This includes physical spaces and digital assets, such as websites.

Who Qualifies for the ADA Tax Credit

The credit is available to eligible small businesses that either earned $1 million or less in gross receipts in the previous tax year or employed 30 or fewer full-time employees. If your business meets either of these criteria, you may qualify. This makes the credit especially valuable for local businesses, professional service providers, retailers, contractors, and nonprofits.

How Much Is the ADA Tax Credit Worth?

The credit covers 50% of eligible accessibility expenses, up to a maximum credit of $5,000 per year. Eligible expenses range from $250 to $10,250, meaning the first $250 is excluded, and half of the remaining amount can be claimed. For many businesses, this can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost of bringing a website into compliance.

Yes—Website Accessibility Costs Can Qualify

One of the most important clarifications for business owners is that website accessibility improvements often qualify for the credit. This can include costs related to accessibility audits, remediation work, developer updates, accessible design enhancements, alternative text for images, keyboard navigation improvements, captioning, and screen reader compatibility. The IRS has recognized digital accessibility as a legitimate barrier-removal expense.

What ADA-Compliant Website Improvements Typically Include

An ADA-compliant website is designed so that users with disabilities can navigate and interact with content effectively. This often includes proper heading structure, sufficient color contrast, descriptive alt text for images, captions for videos, accessible forms, logical navigation, and compatibility with assistive technologies. Interestingly, many of these improvements also enhance usability for all visitors—not just those with disabilities.

Why Accessibility Improves SEO and User Experience

There’s a strong overlap between accessibility best practices and search engine optimization. Clean code, structured headings, descriptive links, alt text, and fast load times benefit both users and search engines. An accessible website tends to be easier to crawl, understand, and rank. In other words, ADA compliance often improves visibility while reducing friction—a rare win-win.

Timing Matters: Accessibility Is Not a One-Time Fix

Accessibility is an ongoing commitment, not a one-and-done project. Websites change, content is added, and standards evolve. However, many businesses begin with an accessibility audit and remediation plan, then maintain compliance through periodic reviews. The ADA tax credit can typically be applied annually, making it easier to budget for ongoing improvements rather than postponing updates indefinitely.

Documentation Is Key for Claiming the Credit

To take advantage of the ADA tax credit, businesses should keep detailed records of expenses related to accessibility improvements. Invoices, contracts, descriptions of work completed, and proof of payment are essential. When filing taxes, the credit is claimed using IRS Form 8826. A qualified accountant or tax professional can help ensure the credit is applied correctly and strategically.

Why Waiting Can Cost More Than Acting

Many businesses delay accessibility upgrades out of uncertainty or fear of cost. Ironically, waiting often leads to higher expenses—whether through rushed remediation, lost customers, or legal action. Proactive accessibility improvements, supported by the tax credit, are far more cost-effective than reactive fixes under pressure.

Accessibility Reflects Brand Values

Beyond compliance and cost savings, accessibility sends a powerful message about who you are as a business. It signals empathy, professionalism, and social responsibility. Customers increasingly choose brands that reflect their values, and inclusivity is a value that resonates strongly across generations.

Working with the Right Professionals Matters

Not all web developers or agencies approach accessibility correctly. ADA compliance requires both technical expertise and an understanding of accessibility standards. Partnering with professionals who understand WCAG guidelines and accessibility testing tools ensures your investment delivers meaningful results—and qualifies for the tax credit when applicable.

Small Changes Can Make a Big Impact

Accessibility improvements don’t always require a full website rebuild. In many cases, targeted updates can dramatically improve compliance and usability. Addressing the most critical barriers first allows businesses to make progress quickly while spreading costs over time—often maximizing the benefit of the tax credit in the process.

Accessibility Is a Strategic Advantage in 2026

As digital expectations rise, accessible websites stand out. They serve wider audiences, reduce risk, improve performance, and demonstrate leadership. In a competitive market, businesses that prioritize accessibility are positioning themselves ahead of the curve rather than scrambling to catch up.

Making your website ADA compliant is not just a legal consideration—it’s a smart, forward-thinking business move. With the ADA tax credit available to offset costs, small businesses have a powerful incentive to act now rather than later. By improving accessibility, we expand our reach, enhance user experience, strengthen our brand, and reduce risk—all while taking advantage of a valuable federal credit supported by the Internal Revenue Service. In 2026, accessibility isn’t an expense to avoid; it’s an investment that pays dividends in trust, performance, and long-term success.