Medical loans? Tax deductions?

treefrog · #1 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 09:36 PM

Has anyone used medical loans to pay for surgery overseas?

Just wondering if anyone has used a lender that they found was good?

As far as taxes, I'm wondering if anyone has good advice on how to do everything the right way, so that whatever can be deducted can be.

I am going to ask my boyfriends tax preparer about it. I read the IRS publication, but of course there are still questions in my mind. Since my boyfriend and I are not married, I don't know how much of a problem it is to deduct travel expenses for him (if that is even possible). Since we file taxes individually, I would be deducting everything on my taxes. So, I assume that I need to pay for everything from my own accounts, and not have him pay for anything related directly to the surgery. Of course, since we are practically married anyway...we've been together for 18 years, and own our house together.

Has anyone claimed medical expenses for back surgery overseas? Were there any additional hoops to jump through in comparison to surgery in the states? Or is it pretty straight forward?

Any advice is appreciated.

Cheryl · #2 (**permalink**) 03-04-2009, 01:11 AM

Cathy-

I am in the midst of preparing my taxes and taking the deductions for my surgery last year. 39K surgery plus additional travel costs.

You are correct the IRS publication does not address all our questions.

My companion was not my husband.

I've asked 3 accountants for help. I hope to have this done within the next week and when I have it all ironed out I'd be happy to share the details.

Can you send me a PM in a week or so to remind me.

Cheryl

Kathy · #3 (**permalink**) 03-04-2009, 04:48 AM

I love turbo tax online. I took over doing my husbands taxes several years ago and have being doing online ever since. It asks all the questions, has help that will pop up for each question, live chat and a number you can call. I am able to write off all of my medical, including travel expenses. Now, I am not sure if you can write off companion travel; but would love to know. I hadn't even thought of saving all my receipts for my surgery trip to write off! I guess I got so excited, that I just hadn't considered it yet. I'm sure I could look it up on turbo tax; but probably won't, since I have already completed my taxes. Please do post what you find out. kathy

treefrog · #4 (**permalink**) 03-05-2009, 01:43 AM

Thanks Cheryl for the offer, I'll try to remember to send a PM in a couple of weeks.

I think I will print out the IRS publication, and take it to the tax preparer's with me. Knowing I'm going to need surgery in advance, I want to do everything I need to do, in order to get the most money back.