I've read Publication 502 and posts on this community, but I'm hoping for confirmation with the following. Am I correct that (while I can't claim her as a Dependent), I can claim Medical Expense Deduction as described below)?
Situation:
- My wife's elderly Mother resides full-time in Mexico.
- She is not a US resident and has never filed US taxes.
- Expensive hospitalization in Puerto Vallarta during 2024 due to fall (required hip replacement, several blood transfusions, ambulance, etc.). At time of this post we're already > $40K US in charges. We charged all of these expenses on our Credit Card and won't be reimbursed.
- My wife and I file our taxes as Married Filing Jointly.
- My understanding is that we can not claim her as a dependent, due to her income > $4700 (she rents a couple of suites in her home to snowbirds).
- I am looking for confirmation that we can claim the Medical expense deductions (that exceed 7.5% of my income).
- From Publication 502: Dependent for purposes of the medical expense deduction
- Qualifying Relative
- For whom you provided over half of the support in 2024.
- Her cost of living is very typically very low, so our > $40K hospital and medical bills exceed 50% of her support.
- The person was a U.S. citizen or national or a resident of the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
Hopeful for some tax relief for these painful medical bills.
Appreciate any guidance.
Thanks!!
