The cost of hearing aids is often seen as a barrier for many who could benefit from owning one. Unfortunately, it seems uncommon knowledge that the IRS will allow tax deductions for hearing aids and some associated items listed as medical expenses.
These medical costs must be itemized on your tax return and receipts are also needed in order to claim. But, if you have paid for significant medical expenses for yourself or your immediate family in the past year, you could stand to save. In fact, if you are likely to spend more than 7.5% of your income on such items within the next two years, it’s worth speaking to a financial advisor to learn more.
Please note if you have either a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), you should contact a tax advisor as they will know which deduction rates to apply. Also, if this is your first time claiming it is sensible to seek professional help with the process.
Things you could claim for:
- Insurance payments.
- Audiology examinations and attending medical conferences.
- Hearing aids, batteries plus repairs and maintenance costs.
- A guide dog plus it’s food, grooming and veterinary expenses.
- If you’re employed, certain hearing related devices that help you work more effectively with your hearing loss could be claimed i.e. listening devices or a customized computer.
- Approved health-related purchases i.e.eyeglasses and prescriptions.
- Home adaptations i.e. special smoke detectors, burglar alarms or doorbells.
- Adapted phone equipment i.e special ringers, captioned phones or teleprinters.
- Adapted televisions, sound amplifying or closed caption accessories.
- Repairs to these special equipment.
Things you cannot claim for:
- Any medical insurance coverage provided for you by your employer.
- You can only claim hearing aid purchases for a family member if they are listed as a dependent.
If you would like a full list of what you can and cannot deduct please visit this IRS list and the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant.
Finally, another option to consider is donating your old hearing device. This makes you eligible for deductions relatable to the value of the donated device, plus it feels wonderful to help those less fortunate. Take a look at Lion’s Club’s HARP Program to find out more.
A specialist can give you further tax advice. If this years claim is already filed, why not start an itemized list of medical expenses and keep receipts ready for next year. We hope this information helps you to access the hearing help you need. If you’d like to book in your next hearing assessment, give the hearing care specialists at Anderson Audiology a call on 702-997-2964. Alternatively, click here to request an appointment online.