Working to help address the high cost of vehicle modifications for families with disabilities, State Representative Nicole La Ha filed House Bill 4431 in the Illinois House to bring clarity to a 1% cap on taxes paid for accessibility modifications parts.
“Families encountering these unexpected expenses deserve relief and that was the initial purpose of the 1% tax cap currently in law,” said Rep. La Ha. “However, in practice we see two different tax structures for these modifications in Illinois. Persons modifying new vehicles as part of a single transaction for the vehicle and the modifications are often paying a higher 6.25% sales tax rate on modification parts instead of the 1% rate cap. We can provide clarity that the 1% tax rate on modification parts applies regardless of when the transaction is made, and to both new vehicle transactions and modification-only purchases.”
As the mother of a child who lives with disability, Representative La Ha’s personal journey has fueled her commitment to inspire a more inclusive world. Knowing firsthand the challenges that disabled persons and their families face in budgeting for these types of expenses, Representative La Ha was called to action to make this change.
“We can cut these taxes to provide relief. These families are already encountering massive bills for these modifications needed to transport themselves or their loved one,” said La Ha. “I have heard positive reactions from groups like ARC of Illinois and the Illinois Secretary of State’s office in making these proposed changes, and I am hopeful for their formalized support of the bill when it is heard in committee. Most people recognize these are expenses almost no family can bear without relief and support.”
Those interested in following the progress of House Bill 4431 can follow the bill at the Illinois General Assembly’s website, ILGA.gov, or check Representative La Ha’s legislative website at RepLaHa.com for updates.