Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 7770
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7770Taxation
Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act
INTRO MAR 3· LAST ACTION MAR 3
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
2BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because hearing aids can significantly improve the quality of life for people with hearing loss, but they often come with a high price tag—typically thousands of dollars per device—and are frequently not covered by health insurance. This bill aims to lower that financial barrier, making it easier for individuals to afford a crucial medical device that can enhance communication, social engagement, and overall well-being.
If this bill becomes law, more people might be able to afford the hearing aids they need, leading to better health outcomes and reduced isolation. If it doesn't pass, many individuals will continue to face substantial out-of-pocket costs, potentially delaying or forgoing necessary hearing assistance and enduring the associated challenges of unaddressed hearing loss.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Allows a tax credit of up to $1,000 for the purchase of a qualified hearing aid, provided the cost is not covered by insurance.
This directly reduces the financial burden of purchasing hearing aids, which are often expensive and not covered by insurance.
PROVISION 02
Establishes income limits for eligibility: $300,000 for joint returns or head of household, and $150,000 for other individuals.
This targets the credit towards middle- and lower-income individuals and families, ensuring the benefit goes to those likely to need financial assistance.
PROVISION 03
Permits an individual to claim the credit only once every five years.
This prevents frequent claims for a device that is typically a long-term purchase, balancing assistance with fiscal responsibility.
PROVISION 04
Specifies that only 'qualified hearing aids' (FDA-approved and meeting certain regulatory descriptions) are eligible for the credit.
This ensures that the credit is used for safe and effective medical devices, protecting consumers and maintaining quality standards.
PROVISION 05
Makes the credit effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.
This sets the starting date for when taxpayers can begin claiming this new credit.
Voters should care about this bill because hearing aids can significantly improve the quality of life for people with hearing loss, but they often come with a high price tag—typically thousands of dollars per device—and are frequently not covered by health insurance. This bill aims to lower that financial barrier, making it easier for individuals to afford a crucial medical device that can enhance communication, social engagement, and overall well-being.
If this bill becomes law, more people might be able to afford the hearing aids they need, leading to better health outcomes and reduced isolation. If it doesn't pass, many individuals will continue to face substantial out-of-pocket costs, potentially delaying or forgoing necessary hearing assistance and enduring the associated challenges of unaddressed hearing loss.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Allows a tax credit of up to $1,000 for the purchase of a qualified hearing aid, provided the cost is not covered by insurance.
This directly reduces the financial burden of purchasing hearing aids, which are often expensive and not covered by insurance.
high
Establishes income limits for eligibility: $300,000 for joint returns or head of household, and $150,000 for other individuals.
This targets the credit towards middle- and lower-income individuals and families, ensuring the benefit goes to those likely to need financial assistance.
med
Permits an individual to claim the credit only once every five years.
This prevents frequent claims for a device that is typically a long-term purchase, balancing assistance with fiscal responsibility.
med
Specifies that only 'qualified hearing aids' (FDA-approved and meeting certain regulatory descriptions) are eligible for the credit.
This ensures that the credit is used for safe and effective medical devices, protecting consumers and maintaining quality standards.
low
Makes the credit effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.
This sets the starting date for when taxpayers can begin claiming this new credit.
The tax credit will apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Tax credit
A direct reduction in the amount of income tax you owe. Unlike a deduction, which reduces your taxable income, a credit directly lowers your tax bill dollar for dollar.
Internal Revenue Code of 1986
The official compilation of all tax laws in the United States, which this bill proposes to amend.
Modified adjusted gross income
A specific calculation of income used by the IRS to determine eligibility for certain tax benefits. It generally starts with your adjusted gross income and adds back certain types of income that were originally excluded from your taxable income.
Qualified hearing aid
A hearing aid that meets specific standards, including being described in certain federal regulations (21 CFR sections 874.3300 and 874.3305) and authorized for sale by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (meaning it's FDA-approved).
Taxable year
The annual accounting period for which you report your income and file taxes, typically January 1st to December 31st for most individual taxpayers.
Head of household
A tax filing status for unmarried individuals who pay more than half the cost of keeping up a home for themselves and a qualifying person.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
MAR 3
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
MAR 3
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
A tax return filed by a married couple that combines their incomes and deductions.
Dependent
A person, such as a child or a qualifying relative, whom a taxpayer supports financially and can claim an exemption or deduction for on their tax return.
