Updated March 2021
If you’re trying to figure out if you can claim a medical alert system on your taxes, the answer is: Probably. The only way to get a definitive answer is to consult with a tax professional like your accountant, tax attorney or financial advisor. That’s because IRS guidelines don’t expressly mention medical alert systems like Philips Lifeline.
However, depending on your circumstances and specific medical alert system, a tax pro can help determine if a medical device used by you, your spouse or another qualified dependent can be claimed as:
- A medical equipment expense prescribed by a doctor.
- A capital expense for “special equipment" installed in your home mainly to support medical care for you, your spouse or your dependent.
- A medical expense for systems that store medical information in a computer data bank and retrieve and furnish the information upon request to an attending physician.
Qualifying medical expenses for tax deductions are helpful tax breaks for family caregivers and older adults that may help reduce the financial impact of caregiving or help manage the cost of aging. Consult a tax professional and IRS Publication 502 for the most current information on eligible medical expense deductions.
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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional financial, accounting, tax or legal consultation; it is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied. Always consult professionals when you have specific questions about any financial matter.
