@NCperson wrote:
1) since your parent is your dependent, then yes, the medical expenses can list claimed as itemized deductions.
please read this article;
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/credits-and-deductions/help/what-is-the-child-and-dependent-care-c...
there are other requirements for taking the dependent care credit - for example, were you and your spouse working? if no, then you are not eligible for the credit. Did he live with you for at least 6 months of the year - if he was at a group home for at least 6 months, doesn't appear you are eligible for this credit.
I agree that long term care can be a deductible medical expense, but keep in mind that it is an itemized deduction with a 7.5% of AGI threshold. For example if the AGI is $80,000 then only that amount more than (80000 * .075) = $6,000 or $4,000 of the $10,000 would be deductible. Then only if all itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction (which for MFJ is $24,000) so unless you can itemize anyway, it might not make any tax difference.
And yes, dependent care is "work related". Unless both spouses had earned income (if married) AND the care was necessary so that both spouses could work, AND the dependent lived in your home more than half the year, then you would not qualify for dependent care credit.
**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**
