Will I be able to deduct a wheelchair lift I purchased for my truck? I am a paraplegic.

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
June 5, 2019
1 reply
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michellehomebiz

Level 8

This is what the IRS says. Basically expenses/equipment must be for a specific illness/condition and not a general health or personal purpose. The prescription is helpful. If it matters you may want to seek professional guidance from a CPA, enrolled agent, or tax attorney.

Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and the costs for treatments affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners. They include the costs of equipment, supplies, and diagnostic devices needed for these purposes.

Medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness. They don't include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation.

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p502

Even if you can, it may not matter. You have to itemize (<30% of returns) to claim medical deductions and you can only deduct the amount of medical expenses above

7.5% (maybe 10%) of your AGI.

From <https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/4160407-can-i-deduct-an-exercise-bike-that-a-doctor-gave-me-a-prescription-for>