Caring for an Elderly or Incapacitated Individual |
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With individuals living longer, we frequently find ourselves in the position of a caregiver for elderly or incapacitated individuals. Whether it be an incapacitated or elderly spouse, an elderly parent or even a child, there are tax implications that need to be considered and can relieve some of the financial burden associated with being a caregiver.
When the elderly reach the point that they can no longer care for themselves, there are generally two courses of action available to the caregiver; (1) Provide for in-home care, or (2) place the individual in a care facility.
Impairment-Related Medical Expenses |
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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.
Amounts paid for long-term care services and certain premiums paid on long-term care insurance are deductible as medical expenses on Schedule A. Costs of care provided by a relative who is not a licensed professional or by a related corporation or partnership don't qualify. The maximum amount of long-term care premiums treated as medical depends on the insured's age and is inflation-indexed annually.
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