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New Member
posted Dec 6, 2023 7:24:26 AM

We bought a wheelchair for our daughter who has medical issues and have, at times, a hard time walking. The wheelchair is not prescribed by the doctor. Is it deductible?

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2 Replies
Level 15
Dec 6, 2023 7:28:29 AM

You do not mention whether your daughter is a dependent on your tax return---so start with that.  Do you claim her as a dependent?

Level 15
Dec 6, 2023 8:27:58 AM

If your daughter is a dependent on your tax return, the cost of the wheelchair can be entered as a medical expense.   Understand that medical expenses have no effect on your tax due or refund unless you have enough medical expenses to meet a tough threshold to claim them AND have enough other itemized deductions to exceed your standard deduction.

 

MEDICAL EXPENSES

The medical expense deduction has to meet a rather large threshold before it can affect your return. The amount of medical (including dental, vision, etc.)  expenses that will count toward itemization is the amount that is OVER 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. You should only enter the amount that you paid in 2023—do not include any amounts that were covered by insurance or that are still outstanding.  Of course, your medical expenses plus your other itemized deductions still have to exceed your standard deduction before you will see a difference in your tax due or refund.

 

To enter your medical expenses go to Federal>Deductions and Credits>Medical>Medical Expenses

 

 

2023 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS

 

SINGLE $13,850  (65 or older/legally blind + $1850)

 

MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY $12,850  (65 or older/legally blind + $1500)

 

MARRIED FILING JOINTLY $27,700  (65+/legally blind) )  + $1500 per spouse

 

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD  $20,800 (65 or older/blind)  + $1850)