Anyone know if "Depends" are tax debuctible if you itemize? I've saved all recepts but I'm getting packed to move to CC the first of the year and wonder if this is even a deductible item. I'm trying to throw away as much 'stuff' as I possibly can. Also, home health aide? Is that deductible? I've arranged to have one with DH 4 afternoons each week so I can get everything ready for the move. TKS!
Good question as my LO has just started using them,I was shocked to find out they cost almost $20 at the local Wal-Mart an have no idea how many she'll go thru in say a weeks time
You cannot include in medical expenses the amount you pay for diapers or diaper services, unless they are needed to relieve the effects of a particular disease.
I would definitely deduct them, and let the IRS decide if it relieves the effects of a particular disease. You can argue that the effects of alzheimer;s disease are being relieved by having Depends. Also, you can have your doctor write an open prescription for the diapers, and then you can claim a medical necessity. Caregivers need all the breaks they can find, and your chances of ever being audited for the diaper costs are minute. Furthermore, the deduction will not affect your taxes that much...The IRS usually understands these items, and they are more interested in fraud....If you blatantly cheat on your taxes (fraud), they are merciless....but for items like this, they are very understanding, and since diapers are not specifically excluded, you have my permission to deduct them, as I am an American taxpayer and feel that it will relieve some of the effects of a particular disease. Like in everything with the IRS, keep the receipts, and also make sure you keep the soiled diapers for 7 years, in case they need proof.
Home Health Aid, I am planning on deducting the out of pocket money ( 60 days of care) to meet my insurance deductable as a health expense, but I do not plan to claim the income from the insurace company, nor will I claim the care that they paid for. Does that sound correct?
With the consent of my accountant I deduct everything I can think of: depends, adult day care, in-home care, mileage to day care, prescription medicines, doctors visits, mileage to doctors office, etc. I have a prescription from her doctor for the depends.
I wonder if massage and SHEN sessions for me are deductable. They are designed to keep me in shape to care for my wife. I plan to include them in my list of medical expenses and see what my accountant says.