Can I deduct misc expenses associate with a dependent's juvenile incarceration including mileage to and from a juvenile facility and group home?

[jkhinch25]

my guess is no. I was initially tempted to deduct as a medical expense due to the expense being related to her mental health; however, my initial assumption is that this is not an option because she has been assigned through the juvenile justice system. Thank you. 

[DianeW · Accepted solution]

Your assumption is correct unfortunately.  These expenses are personal in nature and the are not an allowable tax deduction.  

If any part of the treatment was paid by you for medical reasons, that portion might be deductible if you can itemize deductions.  The combined medical expense on the return can be used as part of itemized deductions to the extent they exceed 10% (7.5% if age 65 or older) of your adjusted gross income (AGI). 

As you can see the tax law has never been very fair when it comes to the overall medical expense category.

[jkhinch25]

thank you

[DianeW]

You're welcome.