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Can I deduct my sons mental health offsite lodging/meals expense? He is in a transitional phase of a mental health program out of state.
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Deductions & credits
The IRS specifies that meal must be provided by the center during treatment.
You can include in medical expenses the cost of meals at a hospital or similar institution if a principal reason for being there is to get medical care.
You can't include in medical expenses the cost of meals that aren't part of inpatient care.
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What about cost to be in the program? Lodging expenses as well?
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You can include in medical expenses fees you pay for treatment at a health institute only if the treatment is prescribed by a physician and the physician issues a statement that the treatment is necessary to alleviate a physical or mental disability or illness of the individual receiving the treatment.
Lodging
You can include in medical expenses the cost of meals and lodging at a hospital or similar institution if a principal reason for being there is to receive medical care. See Nursing Home , later.
You may be able to include in medical expenses the cost of lodging not provided in a hospital or similar institution. You can include the cost of such lodging while away from home if all of the following requirements are met.
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The lodging is primarily for and essential to medical care.
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The medical care is provided by a doctor in a licensed hospital or in a medical care facility related to, or the equivalent of, a licensed hospital.
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The lodging isn't lavish or extravagant under the circumstances.
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There is no significant element of personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation in the travel away from home.
The amount you include in medical expenses for lodging can't be more than $50 for each night for each person. You can include lodging for a person traveling with the person receiving the medical care. For example, if a parent is traveling with a sick child, up to $100 per night can be included as a medical expense for lodging. Meals aren't included.
Don't include the cost of lodging while away from home for medical treatment if that treatment isn't received from a doctor in a licensed hospital or in a medical care facility related to, or the equivalent of, a licensed hospital or if that lodging isn't primarily for or essential to the medical care received.
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I just came across this thread and thought I'd chime in, even though it's a few years old now. The question you've asked about deducting your son's mental health offsite lodging and meals is a bit complex and certainly varies depending on tax laws, which are subject to change. I strongly recommend consulting a tax advisor for the most accurate and personalized advice.
However, I can say that caring for a loved one's mental health can be emotionally and financially draining. In case of immediate emotional stress, resources like a mental health crisis hotline can be a big help for immediate emotional support and resource direction.