I know mileage for medical care is deductible. Do you know if this includes (1) mileage for me to attend a support group, and (2) mileage to and from day care for DH? Also, are adults diapers considered a medical expense? Any other items that I may not think about? I am new at this. Our accountant passed away recently.
I include mileage to and from day care, but not support group meetings. I have a prescription from my wife's doctor for the adult diapers, so I keep an accurate record of them. In the past I have included mileage to and from the pharmacy, but since it is only 2 miles, and I combine it with grocery shopping, I have stopped doing that.
I know that this was discussed in earlier posts, but I didn't really pay attention because DH wasn't in a nursing home. But now that he is, my question is: under medical deductions can I deduct the amount I pay to the Veterans Home towards his care on our taxes? Thanks for any help with this question.
Medical expenses are deductible, however, it's only a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income tht is counted. Not sure what that % is for 2012. His care would be included there, along with any other medical expenses.
Before you can deduct eligible medical expenses they have to be greater than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. For 2012 I think the eligible amount is greater than 10% of gross income. I'm not entirely sure.
Judy....You might want to consider getting a new tax person to be sure you are taking all the available deductions. Also, with all the problems a caregiver has you don't want to make mistakes that might prompt an audit later.
For 2012, the percentage you may deduct for medical expenses has to be in excess of 7.5% of adjusted gross income. In 2013 it jumps to 10%.
Go online with IRS.GOV and you can download everything that is allowed in medical expenses.
I spoke with our accountant last year and asked about assisted living facility expenses and at the time he said that as long as I had a letter from dr. stating that spouse couldn't do his adl's, all the expenses were deductible under medical expenses. I downloaded the section on medical expenses and it states very specifically all the adl's.
To date, I still have dh at home with me but I like to be prepared for as much as possible. DH has taken a turn for the worse but still can do his adl's (activities of daily living).
One reason to have an accountant is if the IRS disallows the expense, they will usually wave penalties and just ask for the amount owed plus interest. Unless the accountant says you lied to him the IRS will assume that you filled out the return in good faith.
I have a note from wife's doctor that she needs a caregive but I also reviewed IRS regs with accountant. Doctor's note is not sufficient, you must meet IRS criteria, which I am sure you do.