Taxes

Mr_Ed · Post by **Mr_Ed** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 11:14 am

Hey everyone! New to the forum and new to apnea (got my machine last Weds.).

Looks like I'll be spending a lot more money than I usually do for health care this year. I need to start saving reciepts and was wondering if, aside from the obvious stuff (xpap, mask, tubing, etc.) if anyone has taken deductions or gotten reimbursement from a cafeteria plan for required maintenance related items such as filters for the machine, distilled vinegar and distilled water, etc.

Thanks.

Jeeper · Post by **Jeeper** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 5:02 pm

Mr_Ed,

I can claim my expenses for cpap supplies. I don't find a listing in my cafeteria plan for distilled water or distilled vinegar. I do get reimbursement for filters and other such items. I have not tried to submit water or vinegar. You might call or email your cafeteria plan provider to find out if they are covered.

Good luck!

Jeeper

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xyz · Post by **xyz** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 5:32 pm

The correct term may be "125 plan". A cafeteria plan is just one that allows you to choose which benefits you want -- or don't want. Some allow you to get money back for not using some of the coverages.

Most 125 plans do not reimburse for over the counter items. Contact their customer service people so you don't have to guess.

Needsdecaf · Post by **Needsdecaf** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 6:16 pm

Does your employer offer the option of a flexible spending account? I find that this helps out quite a bit in reducing the taxable $$ and also saving tax $$ on health costs.

Mr_Ed · Post by **Mr_Ed** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 7:37 pm

xyz wrote:The correct term may be "125 plan". A cafeteria plan is just one that allows you to choose which benefits you want -- or don't want. Some allow you to get money back for not using some of the coverages.

Most 125 plans do not reimburse for over the counter items. Contact their customer service people so you don't have to guess.

Thanks - I wasn't asking about MY §125 plan. I was asking what the experience of others are.

I work in the tax field (I fight with state and local tax auditors for a living) but I haven't practiced income tax in over 10 years. I know that over the counter drugs ARE tax deductible (allergy medicines, aspirin, etc.). In fact, my local grocery store even highlights these items on the receipt when I buy my groceries to make it easier for customers.

This year, I'll be completing Schedule A for medical expenses (I don't participate in a cafeteria plan) I was just wondering if anyone has taken the position these items are exempt (specifically the cleaning supplies like the distilled water and vinegar).

For what it's worth, I also asked a co-worker the same question and his response was "I don't see why they wouldn't be" - we just couldn't find any specific guidance or court cases supporting the fact. That's why I'm asking if anyone else has had experience with the deduction - would be beneficial to know if someone has been through an audit and if deductions were disallowed or affirmed.

Thanks.

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 5:19 am

I don't use distilled water to clean my equip. I just use regular tap water. The distilled water is just for filling my humidifier. So I would classify it as a medical supply. Costs me less than $10 per year. I do use vinegar for cleaning. The gallon of vinegar is less than $5 (the cheapest store brand works just fine) for a year. To me it's not worth the bother to put the $15 on the tax forms.

Brenda