OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, is encouraging eligible Oklahomans to apply for the Caring for Caregivers tax credit while filing their 2024 taxes.
In 2023, the Oklahoma Legislature created the Caring for Caregivers Act, designed to help offset some out-of-pocket expenses family caregivers pay for. This spring marks the first time qualifying Oklahomans can file for the credit.
Individuals must be a dependent, spouse, parent or other relation by blood or marriage to the family caregiver. Oklahomans receiving care from a family caregiver must be 62 years of age or older and require assistance with at least two activities of daily living as certified by a licensed health care provider.
“Whenever someone cares for a loved one, unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, sometimes totaling thousands of dollars, inevitably arise,” West said. “This legislation is truly significant—not only for the families receiving the tax credit but for strengthening Oklahoma’s family structure as a whole. I encourage every eligible Oklahoman to take advantage of this important support.”
The Caring for Caregivers tax credit is capped at $2,000 per year for family caregivers with a federally adjusted gross income below $50,000 for single filers or $100,000 for joint filers. Those caring for veterans or people with a dementia-related diagnosis are eligible for up to $3,000 per year. The total cap for the state is $1.5 million per year.
According to the AARP, Oklahoma’s 490,000 family caregivers contribute an astounding $6.6 billion in unpaid care and dedicate more than 450 million hours annually to caring for loved ones.
Other states offer smaller tax credits to certain caregivers or for expenses like home modifications, but Oklahoma was the first state in the nation to adopt an expansive tax credit for family caregivers.
West said she may run future legislation to expand the tax credit if there are enough Oklahomans who file for it this year.
Oklahomans who believe they may qualify can visit www.aarp.org/OKCaregiverTaxCredit to view the Caring for Caregivers Act Tax Credit Eligibility Tool and read frequently asked questions. The deadline to file 2024 taxes is April 15.
