I pay 40,000. a year to live in a nursing home in an independent living apt. Can I claim this amount on my federal taxes ?

[Matt464]

It costs me 39,000. a year in an independent apt to live in a retirement nursing home. Can I claim this on my federal taxes?

[NickS · Accepted solution]

Yes, You can include medical expenses, cost of meals and lodging in one these facilities if the principal reason for being there is to get medical care. These expenses can be deducted for you, yourself or a dependent.

However, if the reason for being in a care facility is personal, you cannot include the cost of meals and lodging. You can only include the cost of the medical expenses or nursing care.