Doctors note to write off new vacuum for allergies?
I was wondering if it is legitimate to ask you doctor to write an letter recommending a special device (ie. vacuum or pool)cleaner for a medical condition to be able to write it off on your taxes.
I have 1 daughter that has allergies and we need a new vacuum cleaner with a hepa filter and also a daughter who is having heart surgery this summer and swimming is the only real physical activity that she will be able to do.
Yes, you can use this as a medical deduction if you have a doctors Rx. You should retain the Rx and also have your Dr write you a letter detailing why this device is needed for medical reasons. What symtoms does it prevent and what happens if you dont get it.
You may not get alot of deduction as a medical deduction. Your medical deductions are limited to 7.5% of your AGI…What this means is say your adjusted gross income is $100,000, your medical expenses would only be deductible for the amount over $7500 you spent.
I think the bigger savings will be sales tax, in texas if one has a Rx for an item it is exempt from sales tax…you should check your state website, look under sales and use tax/exemptions
Good luck
The other poster noted a 1976 Rev Rule, that has been superceded.
There are some items you can deduct for allergy alleviation under medical expenses if you itemize your deductions. However, a new vaccuum cleaner is not one of them. See the reference to the Revenue Ruling below. Sorry.
I’m not sure about the pool cleaner, but I am pretty sure it’s non-deductible. She’s not the only one who would use the pool, and it doesn’t directly help her condition.
Hope this helps!
Addition per below poster: I thought the ruling was still in place, under certain conditions. The full text just gives advice in specified cases. Either way, I read the question wrong. I thought the vacuum had already been purchased, and they were going to ask for the prescription after purchasing it, which wouldn’t make it deductible, since they can no longer prove that they purchased it based on a doctor’s advice.