R15-2C-307 Exemption for Blind Persons A.

If both a husband and wife are blind or partially blind and they elect to file a joint return, they may claim a total of 2 exemp- tions under A.R.S. § 43-1023(A). For purposes of this Section, “partially blind” means an individual whose vision is no better than 20/200 in the better eye with correcting lenses or who has a field of vision of 20 degrees or less. B. If a taxpayer or the taxpayer’s spouse dies during the taxable year and the decedent was blind or partially blind on the date of death, the decedent is eligible for the exemption under A.R.S. § 43-1023(A). C. If a taxpayer or the taxpayer’s spouse for whom the taxpayer is claiming an exemption under A.R.S. § 43-1023(A)(2) is par- tially blind on the last day of the taxable year, the taxpayer shall obtain a statement from a licensed optometrist or a physi- cian skilled in diseases of the eye. The taxpayer shall keep the statement for the taxpayer’s records. The statement shall cer- tify that the person claiming the exemption or on whose behalf the exemption is claimed: 1. Has vision no better than 20/200 in the better eye with correcting lenses, or 2. Has a field of vision of 20 degrees or less. D. If the taxpayer’s vision is not likely to improve beyond the condition listed in subsection (C), the taxpayer may obtain a statement certified by a licensed optometrist or a physician skilled in diseases of the eye to this effect instead of the annual statement required under subsection (C). The taxpayer shall keep the statement for the taxpayer’s records. Historical Note Recodified at 6 A.A.R. 2308, filed in the Office of the Secretary of State June 2, 2000 (Supp. 00-2). Amended by final rulemaking at 7 A.A.R. 2889, effective June 13, 2001 (Supp. 01-2).