Financial Feature
Medical Expenses – Eligible or Ineligible? Horseshoe Tax & Bookkeeping Services
Some expenses that you would think are claimable are indeed not. Classic examples are personal alert systems such as LifeLine and AlarmGuard and Life Assur, just to name a few. Theses are indeed NOT claimable even with a prescription. One we are asked a lot is can “I claim my hot tub, I have a prescription” – the answer is no you cannot. The same applies for fitness and golf club memberships.
Melissa van Heurn
Some of the most common expenses we come across are claims for dental work, prescription drugs/medical cannabis/ orthotics, vision and hearing aids, attendant care, ambulance charges etc.
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Visit us at brantfordbrantchamber.com
Parking, travel and meal expenses can be eligible depending on the distance and reason. Generally, if you were required to travel for treatment within 40 km’s of your residence then they are not claimable. However, If over 40 km’s from your residence then you may be eligible to make a claim. As with everything, there are exceptions and conditions and should be discussed with your tax preparer.
will provide an end of year report upon request. This eliminates having to hold onto the individual receipts themselves. Any reimbursements received or fees paid for by an employer or other agency must be deducted from the original cost. You can only claim the portion you are out of pocket for. Canada Revenue’s website has a detailed list of eligible and ineligible expenses. If in doubt, always keep your receipts for tax time and discuss them with your tax preparer. Rules and eligible claims are constantly changing.
Can I use a debit receipt as proof? No – it is must be an official receipt with the purchase date, the name of the patient, the item being purchased and breakdown of cost. Most people are not aware that their pharmacy
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