Some memory care expenses and out-of-pocket medical expenses — like prescriptions and on-site nursing services — for a loved one with dementia are tax deductible. Meals and lodging at a memory care facility may also be tax deductible if an individual with dementia meets the IRS’ eligibility requirements. To reduce your family’s taxable income, you can itemize your return and deduct qualifying health care expenses.
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Do memory care expenses qualify for the IRS’s medical deduction?
Yes, certain memory care expenses may qualify for the IRS’s medical deduction if your loved one with dementia is chronically ill, as defined by the IRS. A licensed health care professional must certify your loved one as chronically ill on an annual basis based on these requirements:
- A person who’s unable to perform at least two activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, etc.) for at least 90 days; or
- A person who requires substantial supervision due to cognitive impairments (Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia)
To deduct any medical expenses, taxpayers must itemize their deductions. Itemizing your medical deductions can lower the amount of taxes you owe and give you a larger return than a standard deduction, if those out-of-pocket costs exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
Keep in mind, however, that itemizing medical deductions not always be more beneficial than a standard deduction, depending on your circumstances.
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How much of memory care is tax deductible?
If your loved one meets the IRS’s chronically ill requirements and is living in a memory care facility due to medical necessity, the deduction can cover meals and lodging.
However, many dementia patients may not qualify in the early stages. In that case, you can still deduct medical expenses provided in their memory care facility, some of which may include:
- Prescriptions
- Transportation for medical appointments
- On-site nursing services
- On-site medical appointments
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Who can deduct memory care expenses from their taxes?
If a senior residing in a memory care facility is paying for their own care, then the qualifying expenses can be deducted from their taxes. In this case, the filing process will likely be overseen by their financial power of attorney (POA) or tax professional if they have cognitive decline.
If a family member is financially supporting a parent’s care in a memory care facility, then the parent may be considered a “qualifying relative” and they may deduct these unreimbursed medical expenses on their return.
For a family member to claim a parent as a dependent or qualifying relative, families must meet these standards:
- The family member must not be a dependent of another taxpayer.
- The family member must have paid half of the parent’s support for the tax year.
- The parent must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
- The parent’s gross annual income cannot exceed $4,700.
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How do you calculate tax deductions for memory care?
Only qualified, unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of a taxpayer’s adjusted gross income (AGI) are deductible. This can include out-of-pocket health care costs they paid for themselves, their spouse, and any dependents and qualifying relatives.
You should keep careful records and request itemized receipts throughout the year so you can easily tally up qualifying expenses and demonstrate that you meet the IRS’s requirements.
To calculate your total medical expense tax deduction, follow these steps:
- Add up all qualifying medical expenses (including memory care) paid for the tax year.
- Subtract 7.5% of your AGI from your expense total to determine your deduction.
If your loved one moved into memory care in the middle of the year, there may also be other tax credits or deductions available to families depending on their situation.
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Tips and resources for memory care tax deductions
To prepare for tax season, Denise Lettau, an attorney with over 15 years of experience in the wealth management industry, recommends asking your loved one’s memory care community for the following:
- Detailed and itemized invoices, specifically a breakdown of all medical expenses, room and board, and any other costs
- Documentation of medical necessity, which may be found in the care plan or provided by a physician
- The facility’s Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
“Sometimes facilities cannot provide an itemized explanation of benefits (EOB),” Lettau says. “Instead, they may state how much of the monthly rate covers room and board, and how much covers care services. Also, look at the signed resident agreement, because some provide a breakdown of services.”
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Find additional support
The IRS has resources available online, including free tax forms and publications detailing a variety of credits and deductions. If you think you may qualify for any of these credits and deductions, consult a senior living tax professional to ensure compliance with IRS rules.
It’s also important to remember that a memory care community is only one long-term care option available for loved ones with dementia. Families can also choose other dementia care options that work for their situation, including in-home dementia care or memory care in a nursing home.
This article originally appeared on Aplaceformom.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
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