Can any of my time spent caregiving be deducted on tax returns?

Ismiami, I understand now. I was thinking that your parents paid for the ramp.

I'm wondering if you could have taken the deduction if they were considered dependents of yours for tax purposes, but you stated they aren't.

Frankly, if you overpaid, you overpaid. Given that there was likely an urgent need, I would say that you did the right thing in extending their mobility safely so they wouldn't be forced with any more physical challenges than already existed.

Thanks for the explanation.

I believe the reason is they are not a charity nor are they my dependents, my contribution therefore is a gift, not a donation, so it is not tax deductible...trust me I tried. She is a well reputed CPA, so I did not further challenge the response, however, that was my situation. I don't enjoy paying taxes, but I like to be by the book on these things.

With SS exempt from taxes, my parents taxable income did not add up to much so a deduction for them was irrelevant, additionally, I had paid for the ramp and other expenses, so my question was if I could take a deduction for myself.
The ramp itself was definitely medically necessary, as the patient was in a wheelchair. BTW I likely overpaid, but I did not have the luxury of time to shop around.

Maybe it would be different for a medically needed home improvement for a patient/ homeowner.....I would ask.

My guess is travel expenses for care are likely not deductible, but I would ask a Tax Professional.

Good luck

L

Ismiami, did your accountant say why the ramp wouldn't be deductible? I would have thought it would be a deductible cost for your parents (not for you though).

We should have our folks form their own non-profits! Then write off the time as a donation to siblings. Sorry, a bit cynical today.

I asked my CPA if I could deduct a $4600 ramp for my dad and drug store purchases- not prescriptions- lotions, depends, etc. she said No.
I had receipts. My parents are not my decendents, so maybe that would make a difference. Your situation may be different.

I fly west coast to east coast and back to help my mother who's health is failing. For my 2014 tax returns will any of this be deductible. I have car rental and overnight expenses also. I stay with her 12 hrs a day.

I am flying back & forth Oak-BOS to help my mother, age 95, get some extra help.
I'm cleaning out her retirement home/apt. . I start 9A and work thru 9P. She has a difficult time eating and breathing. I have airplane, hotel and car rental expenses. Is any of this deductible?

With hospice in the picture the time you spent going to Dr.'s appointments and the arrangements involved will decrease and free up some of your time. It sounds like you need a little down time.

I've never heard of being able to deduct caregiving responsibilities on tax returns but there are people here who know much more than I so maybe they might know of some way.

Hopefully hospice will lighten your load a bit during this difficult time.