Assisted living facilities offer a wide range of care services for elderly individuals and those with disabilities. These facilities can provide a comfortable and safe living environment for those who need extra support daily. However, paying for assisted living can financially burden many families. Fortunately, there are ways to make assisted living more affordable, and one of these ways is through tax deductibility.

In this article, we’ll explore the topic of assisted living tax deductibility and how you can maximize your benefits. We’ll discuss what expenses are eligible for a tax deduction, who is eligible for the deduction, and the process of claiming the deduction. By the end of this article, you will clearly understand how assisted living tax deductibility works and how you can use it to your advantage.

What Expenses are Eligible for a Tax Deduction?

Not all expenses associated with assisted living are eligible for a tax deduction. However, there are some expenses that you may be able to deduct from your taxes. Some of these expenses include:

• Medical expenses: If you or your loved one are living in an assisted living facility for medical reasons, you may be able to deduct the cost of the facility as a medical expense. This includes the cost of care, meals, and housing.
• Home modification expenses: If you have made modifications to your home to accommodate a loved one living in an assisted living facility, you may be able to deduct these expenses as medical expenses.
• Travel expenses: If you have to travel to visit your loved one in an assisted living facility, you may be able to deduct the cost of the travel as a medical expense.

Who is Eligible for the Deduction?

To be eligible for the assisted living tax deduction, you must meet certain criteria. Some of these criteria include:

You must itemize your deductions: You cannot take the assisted living tax deduction if you take the standard deduction.

• You must have a medical condition: You or your loved one must have a medical condition that requires you to live in an assisted living facility.
• Adjusted gross income: Your medical expenses, including assisted living costs, must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.

How to Claim the Deduction

Claiming the assisted living tax deduction is a straightforward process. However, keeping good records and having all the necessary documentation is important. Here are the steps you need to follow to claim the deduction:

Keep receipts and records of all medical expenses, including assisted living costs.

1. Fill out Schedule A (Form 1040), which is used to itemize your deductions.
2. Include all of your medical expenses, including the cost of assisted living, on Schedule A.
3. Calculate the amount of your deduction by subtracting 7.5% of your adjusted gross income from the total amount of your medical expenses.
4. Claim the deduction on your tax return.

Conclusion

Assisted living tax deductibility can be a valuable tool for making assisted living more affordable. By understanding what expenses are eligible for a tax deduction, who is eligible for the deduction, and the process of claiming the deduction, you can maximize your benefits and reduce your financial burden. If you have any questions about assisted living tax-deductibility or need help with your taxes, please consult a tax professional.

The information and insights shared in this blog post are just the beginning. If you’re ready to delve deeper and learn more about how to achieve your goals, we invite you to connect with us. Our The Society House team is available to talk at 973-994-1797 and we’re eager to hear from you. Whether you have specific questions, need guidance, or just want to chat, we’re here to support you. So why wait? Make the call today, and let’s start this exciting journey together.