Which special expenses can I declare in the tax return?
November 11, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Quentin Reuter
Dear Tax Advisor,
my name is Greta Siebert and I am currently facing the challenge of preparing my tax return for the past year. While reviewing my documents, I came across the topic of special expenses and I am wondering which expenses I can declare in my tax return.
Regarding the current situation: Last year, I incurred various expenses that I would like to claim for tax purposes. These include donations to charitable organizations, costs for my professional development, and medical expenses that were not covered by my health insurance.
I am concerned that I may forget expenses that could bring me tax benefits. Therefore, I would like to know from you which special expenses I can declare in my tax return and how to document them correctly.
Could you please provide me with a comprehensive list of possible special expenses and explain to me which receipts I need for them? Are there any specific rules or maximum amounts that I should be aware of? Which special expenses could be particularly relevant in my case and lead to a higher tax refund?
I look forward to your assistance and I thank you in advance for your help in optimizing my tax return.
Sincerely,
Greta Siebert
Dear Mrs. Siebert,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding special expenses in your tax return. It is good that you are thinking about this, as special expenses can indeed have a significant impact on your tax burden. I am happy to provide you with a comprehensive overview of which expenses can be claimed as special expenses in your tax return and how you should properly document them.
First of all, donations to charitable organizations are deductible as special expenses. It is important that the organization is recognized as charitable and that you have received a donation receipt. This receipt should include the amount of the donation, the name of the donor, the date of the donation, and the note "suitable for tax purposes." The donation should also have been made by bank transfer or direct debit in order to be recognized as a special expense.
Costs for professional training can also be claimed as special expenses. It is important that the training is job-related and serves the maintenance or improvement of professional skills. Here too, you should carefully keep all receipts such as invoices, certificates of participation, and payment receipts.
Medical expenses that were not covered by health insurance can also be declared as special expenses. This includes, for example, doctor's fees, medications, therapies, or naturopathic treatments. Again, it is important to keep all receipts and invoices in order to present them if needed.
There are specific regulations and maximum amounts for special expenses that you should be aware of. For example, there are maximum amounts for donations or for certain insurance contributions. These can vary depending on the case, so it is important to inform yourself in detail or consult a tax advisor.
In your case, donations, training costs, and medical expenses could be particularly relevant special expenses that could result in a higher tax refund for you. Make sure to collect all receipts properly and to correctly declare them in your tax return.
I hope this information was helpful to you. If you have any further questions, I am happy to assist you.
Sincerely,
Quentin Reuter
