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Level 2
September 28, 2022
Question

Can I still deduct my wife this year if she is in a nursing home?

  • September 28, 2022
  • 3 replies
  • 11 views

Can I still deduct my wife this year if she is in

    3 replies

    DoninGA
    Level 15
    Level 15
    September 28, 2022

    A spouse is never a dependent.  You should be filing as Married Filing Jointly even if one spouse has little or no income.  The spouse does not to be living in the home for a filing status of Married Filing Jointly.

    jdh40018Author
    Level 2
    September 28, 2022

    We pay $643.43 out of her SS retirement check to the nursing home each month. Can we take that off our taxes this year?

    DoninGA
    Level 15
    Level 15
    September 28, 2022

    If you, your spouse, or your dependent is in a nursing home primarily for medical care, then the entire nursing home cost (including meals and lodging) is deductible as a medical expense.

     

    IRS Publication 502 - https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-502