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Tax Q&A Medical Expenses

Tax Q&A Medical Expenses

Can one get a tax rebate on walk in tubs and easy access showers? Does Obama Care provide for these tubs and shower under the title 19 Act?

Walk-in tubs and easy access showers are not specifically mentioned in the Affordable Care Act.  However the tax code does allow a medical deduction (subject to the 7.5 and 10% of AGI floor) for impairment-related capital expenses provided they are prescribed by medical doctor.

Amounts paid for special equipment installed in the home, or for improvements may be included in medical expenses, if their main purpose is medical care for the taxpayer, the spouse, or a dependent.

The cost of permanent improvements that increase the value of the property may be partly included as a medical expense. The cost of the improvement is reduced by the increase in the value of the property. The difference is a medical expense.  If the value of the property is not increased by the improvement, the entire cost is included as a medical expense.

Certain improvements made to accommodate a home to a taxpayer's disabled condition, or that of the spouse or dependents who live with the taxpayer, do not usually increase the value of the home and the cost can be included in full as medical expenses. 

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Lee Reams, BSME, EA

Lee Reams, BSME, EA

Editor-in-Chief

Besides his role at CountingWorks as an educator and speaker to thousands of accountants nationwide, Lee manages a technical research service for a large group of tax accountants which sharpens his technical skills. Lee served on the Board of Blackline Systems, is a former Board of Director for the California Tax Education Council, is a Past President of the San Fernando Valley Chapter of Enrolled Agents, Member and Past Director for the California Society of Enrolled Agents.

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