How do I report my medical expenses in the income tax return?
February 3, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Eiko Hoffmann
Dear tax advisor,
My name is Tobias Fischbacher and I have a question regarding my income tax return. This year, I unfortunately had some medical expenses that were not covered by my health insurance. These expenses amount to a total of 1,500 euros and include doctor's visits, medication, and therapies.
I am wondering how I can report these medical expenses in my income tax return in order to take advantage of tax benefits. I am concerned that I may be leaving money on the table if I do not report the expenses correctly. Are there specific forms or attachments that I need to fill out? And how exactly do I need to prove the individual cost items?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could explain to me the best way to proceed in order to correctly report my medical expenses in the income tax return and potentially obtain tax benefits. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Tobias Fischbacher
Dear Mr. Fischbacher,
Thank you for your question regarding the income tax return and the associated medical expenses. It is important to report these costs accurately in order to take advantage of possible tax benefits. Medical expenses can be claimed as extraordinary burdens for tax purposes under certain conditions.
First of all, it is important to know that only costs that exceed a reasonable burden threshold are tax-deductible. This reasonable burden threshold depends on your income, your marital status, and the number of your children. Costs for doctor visits, medications, and therapies can generally be claimed as extraordinary burdens.
To report the medical expenses in your income tax return, you must fill out the "Anlage Außergewöhnliche Belastungen" form. There you can specify the individual cost items such as doctor visits, medications, and therapies. It is important that you keep the receipts and invoices for the medical expenses carefully and can present them to the tax office if necessary. The receipts serve as proof of the reported costs.
It is advisable to list all costs neatly and, if necessary, to copy receipts so that you can submit them to the tax office if needed. Additionally, make sure that the costs were actually incurred during the assessment period for which you are submitting the income tax return.
I hope this information helps you and that you can correctly report your medical expenses in the income tax return. If you have any further questions or need assistance, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Eiko Hoffmann
