Year End Tax Tips 2008 Q&A - Medical
Tax Tips Q&A
Read Kevin McCormally's answers to tax questions submitted by NBR's viewers.
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This feature is intended to provide general information and education and should not be considered as investment or tax advice. Each individual should consult his or her own tax, financial, or investment advisor.
Medical & Health Care
QUESTION: Deducting Medical Mileage
Normally, miles traveled to and from a medical facility are tax deductible. I plan to travel to Europe for the sole purpose of having an operation. My reasons: it's a lot cheaper and I can receive post-operative care from family. Will the 6,000 miles traveled be tax deductible?
Thanks for your reply,
-- Fred Otten, Surf City, NJ
ANSWER:
If it's reasonable to travel abroad for the care -- and your note suggests that it is -- then the same travel expense would be deductible as if you were receiving the care domestically. Since it's tough to drive to Europe, though, I don't see how you could deduct mileage. Instead, you would deduct the cost of transportation to and from the site of the medical services. Remember, medical expenses are deductible only to the extent they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.
-- Kevin McCormally, Kiplinger Washington Editors
