Medical write-offs?

[Karen S.]

We follow the guidelines outlined in Publication 502. I have attached the link.

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf

The only information I found on electricity is as follows:

"Medically necessary costs prescribed by a physician. That means if your doctor told you to add a humidifier to your home's heating and air conditioning system to relieve your chronic breathing problems, the device (and additional electricity costs to operate it) could be at least partially deductible."

Be sure to check with your tax advisor first.

Also, I thought it was so funny that you mentioned the toilet paper expenses. I can't believe how much toilet paper we go through now with having the extra people in the house. It has gone down since I got rid of my night nurses, but still, it sure does add up.

Karen

[Ann]

I do know that you can write off mileage associated with driving to see your doctors. If you travel a fair distance and do it often, it can amount to a decent deduction. You just have to keep an accurate log. The best person to ask about the other deductions though, would be your friendly accountant. My dad is a CPA - I ask him about utilities and household supplies and let you know.

Ann

[Melisande]

Great topic! I'll be curious to see what your dad says, Ann. And Karen, I agree with the toilet paper comment! Geez! At first we also went through tons of paper towels and trash bags! Thank God for Sam's! Now we just use bar towels and wash them with the baby's clothes. Each new nurse gets a new towel. Also, we only empty the trash if it's getting full or if there's a stinky diaper in the pail. Thanks for the link too!

[Barb]

Remember that you can't deduct anything until the total of unreimbursed medical expenses is over 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. And then, you can only deduct the part over 7.5% . . . That's pretty high, but I know for some of us, it is easy to hit with the costs that we have to pay out of pocket!!
The publication that Karen linked is actually very user-friendly and helpful on these questions. Amazing for a government document, huh??
-Barb

[Ann]

Barb - you are right regarding the 7.5%, but for State income tax purposes, each State is different. Â*For example, in Arizona, we are fortunate in that we can deduct 100% of our medical on our state return ~Â*which is nice. Â*It's important to check how your state handles medical. Â*Thanks for the reminder.

Ann

[Barb]

heehee . . . I live in Texas where there is no such thing as state income tax!!! Of course, our schools are suffocating and we are adding more gambling and lotteries, but we still don't have income tax!!

[Carriestockmal]

I don't know the real answer to this question, but I save every single receipt that has anything to do with Jack. FRom liquid sopa to TP to paper towels to the millions of cups and thermometers I buy him because nurses loose them. I give them all to my accountant and he applies them WHether or not be actually get a writeoff from them, I dn't know. BUt I do it anyway and he has never told me not to.

[Whitney]

Paper Towels and Vinegar!!

I WOULD LOVE to write that off!!