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alisonouchna Asked February 2012

Is in home care a tax write off?

My father is being cared for at home and the costs are outrageous. Can any of this be written off??

EXPERT Carol Bradley Bursack, CDSGF Feb 2012
I'm assuming you mean in your home. I believe that if you pay for 50% of his living, you likely can, but I'd strongly suggest you ask a CPA for advice. Good luck,
Carol

alisonouchna Feb 2012
He is living in his home with care. He is paying out the wazoo for his care and I will be doing his taxes this year as he is no longer able to. I am trying to get all my ducks in a row so I can handle his taxes as easily as possible. Just trying to figure out what we can write off for him. Thanks

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JaneB Feb 2012
Why wouldn't it count as a medical expense, and therefore a deduction?

Carol72156 Feb 2012
I just spoke with an accountant about this on Monday. If your hired caregiver is being paid by an employee AND you have a statement from the Dr that your parent needs assistance with 2 out of 6 ADLs and you itemize rather than taking the standard deduction, then it can be written off --- but only the part of caregiving that a nurse might provide such as administering medication, assisting with bathing, changing bedsheets, etc.

Carol72156 Feb 2012
Sorry - falling asleep here ... meant if your caregiver is being paid as your employee and not as an independent contractor. Yes, I was up again helping Mom get back in bed. She said she had to go to the bathroom but I found cookie crumbs on the kitchen floor before coming back up to bed :)

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