
Lifestyle
A guide to medical tax deductions seniors and retirees are entitled to
Even with excellent health insurance and medicare, medical expenses tend to add up. Particularly in the case of senior citizens who need long-term medical care. Sometimes these costs can be as much as $280,000 per year and burn a hole in your pocket. Thus, it is necessary for elders and their family members to understand the tax deductions seniors and retirees can claim against medical expenses. Some overlooked medical expenses that can be tax-deductible are: 1. Home aides and caregivers Sometimes, when the elderly individual is disabled or requires round-the-clock care, a caregiver is appointed. The caregiver lives with the senior citizen as a home health aide. If thought out properly, you can maximize your tax deductions for a home health aide. Firstly, you need to decide whether you will be paying your home aide as an individual contractor or as an employee. If you decide on the latter, you will need to withhold their taxes and at the end of each year send them the W-2 form. Also, remember to take down the employee ID number of your caregiver from the IRS. The I-9 or Employee Eligibility Form is necessary to prove that the caregiver is eligible to work in the USA.
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