You can't include in medical expenses the cost of household help, even if such help is recommended by a doctor. This is a personal expense that isn't deductible. However, you may be able to include certain expenses paid to a person providing nursing-type services. For more information, see Nursing Services , earlier, under What Medical Expenses Are Includible. Also, certain maintenance or personal care services provided for qualified long-term care can be included in medical expenses. For more information, see Long-Term Care , earlier, under What Medical Expenses Are Includible.
The IRS instructions for Medical expense deductions (which we no longer will have in the new tax reform! ) lists what is deductible. I did this for the 1st time last year, home care is on the list. But! Adult diapers aren't considered a medical expense...what are they, a luxury???
3 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
You can't include in medical expenses the cost of household help, even if such help is recommended by a doctor. This is a personal expense that isn't deductible. However, you may be able to include certain expenses paid to a person providing nursing-type services. For more information, see Nursing Services , earlier, under What Medical Expenses Are Includible. Also, certain maintenance or personal care services provided for qualified long-term care can be included in medical expenses. For more information, see Long-Term Care , earlier, under What Medical Expenses Are Includible.
ADVERTISEMENT