Can you write off an invitro fertilization?

Question

My husband & I are thinking about doing an invitro fertilization procedure for infertility. The cost-$10,000 + and not covered by insurance. Is there any way we could write this off on our taxes? Maybe under medical expenses?

Answer 1

This is a clear cut example of why you should not take tax advice from Yahoo! and see a professional. Please don't listen to the other answers (at least the first two). Do your own research.

For example, if you searched Publication 502, you would have read:

Items you can deduct on Schedule A under Medical Expenses:

Fertility Enhancement: You can include in medical expenses the cost of the following procedures to overcome an inability to have children.

• Procedures such as in vitro fertilization (including temporary storage of eggs or sperm).

• Surgery, including an operation to reverse prior surgery that prevented the person operated on from having children.

So, YES! The TaxMan says you CAN write off the entire our-of-pocket cost for invitro. Keep in mind that you don't get credit for the first 7.5% of your AGI when deducting medical expenses. What does that mean? If your Adjust Gross Income (bottom line on the front of your 1040) is $100,000, you can't write off the first $7,500 of medical expenses. So, do your best to lower your AGI as much as possible that year (put as much as you can into your 401k or IRA, sell stock at a loss, etc.) AND try to lump all of your out-of-pocket medical expenses into the same year (prescription eyeglasses/sunglasses, dentist visits, etc.). Keep in mind you can only write off expenses you PAY, not simply incur. So, please pay off your entire doctor bill in one year to get maximum advantage. Even if you have to pay with a credit card, it counts as paying in full. Don't worry when the credit card is paid; worry when the doctor or medical center is paid.

And, by the way, best of luck! :)

Answer 2

Tax Man is right....He's ALWAYS right!

(Why do I even try?)

Answer 3

no