555699
turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Attend our Ask the Experts event about Tax Law Changes - One Big Beautiful Bill on Aug 6! >> RSVP NOW!
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

back2apex
New Member

Medical expenses for special education

My son has diagnosed learning differences and last year his doctor wrote a letter recommending he attend The Hill Center for the needed academic support.  He is thriving there, and is re-enrolled for next year too.  Do we have to have the doctor provide another letter each year for tax purposes and/or evaluate him in her medical practice?

The tuition is very expensive and we want to deduct it, along with the mileage, on our 2016 return.  Thank you.
x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

4 Replies
bwa
Alumni
Alumni

Medical expenses for special education

Without knowing what their program is or why your child is there, only some general information can be provided.  From IRS's Publication 502:

You can include in medical expenses the cost (tuition, meals, and lodging) of attending a school that furnishes special education to help a child to overcome learning disabilities. A doctor must recommend that the child attend the school. Overcoming the learning disabilities must be a principal reason for attending the school, and any ordinary education received must be incidental to the special education provided. Special education includes:

  • Teaching Braille to a visually impaired person,
  • Teaching lip reading to a hearing-impaired person, or
  • Giving remedial language training to correct a condition caused by a birth defect.

You cannot include in medical expenses the cost of sending a problem child to a school where the course of study and the disciplinary methods have a beneficial effect on the child's attitude if the availability of medical care in the school is not a principal reason for sending the student there.

Medical expenses are under the deductions and credits tab.


back2apex
New Member

Medical expenses for special education

Thank you for the clarification.
pessini
New Member

Medical expenses for special education

Where on Turbo Tax do I put learning disability schooling as a medical expense? does not provide a clear answer although I know I can deduct it.

JosephF8
Expert Alumni

Medical expenses for special education

Open (continue) your return

  • Select Deductions and Credits
  • In the Medical section select Start or Update next to Medical Expenses.
  • Go through the Screens
  • Until you get to the screen Tell us about any other medical expenses

Enter the description and the amount

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

Unlock tailored help options in your account.

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question