Congresswoman Luz Rivas Introduces Bill to Help Multigenerational Households Afford Accessibility and Safety Upgrades to Homes

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) introduced the Multigenerational Family Tax Credit Act of 2026, a bill that will help families afford making necessary upgrades to their homes to accommodate their aging parents.

 

“The Trump Administration’s affordability crisis has put unnecessary financial strain on families across CA-29, especially on multigenerational families’ housing costs,” said Congresswoman Rivas. “It should be easier – not harder – for families to make their homes safer and more accessible for aging family members who live with them. My Multigenerational Family Tax Credit Act allows families to make the necessary safety and accessibility upgrades without worrying about cost. By providing refundable tax credits to supplement for necessary housing upgrades like grab rails, lifts, and extra bedrooms, families will no longer have to worry about cost when they welcome an aging relative to live with them.”

Background:

The Multigenerational Family Tax Credit Act of 2026 would create a refundable tax credit focused on multigenerational families. The refundable tax credit would be for 50% of all eligible expenditures with a cap of $8,000 per taxable year. 

Qualified multigenerational housing expenses include any expense which is related to improving the safety, mobility, or accessibility of the principal residence of the taxpayer. This could include things like grab rails in the shower, building an additional bedroom, or a lift to assist individuals going up or down stairs, among other eligible expenses.

A qualified relative includes individuals who are 65 or older or is disabled and lives with the principal taxpayer in the principal residence. The legislation calls on the Treasury Secretary to issue regulations or guidance to help facilitate the tax credit. 

The amount of the credit is limited to individual filers with a modified adjusted gross income of $200,000 ($400,00 for joint returns). For those with incomes exceeding the cap, the credit is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 of which the taxpayer exceeds the income cap. 

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