Can we deduct $10K paid to a social worker for our adult son who is not a dependent?

[HelenC12 · Accepted solution]

No. Per IRS Publication 502, page 3, Whose Medical Expenses Can You Include?

You can generally include medical expenses you pay for:

• yourself,
• as well as those you pay for someone who was your spouse or 
• your dependent.

The medical expenses are deductible either when the services were provided or when you paid for them.

There are different rules for decedents and for individuals who are the subject of multiple support agreements. See Support claimed under a multiple support agreement, later, under Qualifying Relative.