FAQs About Tax Deductions and Kids With Learning Disabilities

If you have a child with learning and thinking differences, tax deductions may save you some money. But they can also be confusing. Here are some common questions you may have.

Can I take any tax deductions for expenses related to my child’s learning and thinking differences?

You may be able to deduct some costs as “medical expenses.” But you can only deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. In 2019, this threshold went up to 10 percent. Keep in mind that when you do your taxes, you can add up all the medical expenses for everyone in your household.

Besides the obvious, what might count as a medical expense?

Not all deductible medical expenses involve a trip to the doctor. But you may need a doctor’s recommendation to back up these deductions. Here are some possibilities you might not have thought of.

• Special schools and tutors: Education may be considered “treatment” for a child with learning and thinking differences. Your child’s issues must be the main reason for getting the services. And the school or tutor must provide services that directly address your child’s issues.
• Assistive technology and tools: This can include things used at home, like digital tablets and software. Even an inflatable pillow may count. For example, it could help a child with sensory processing issues sit and do homework.
• Evaluations: These may count—but only if done by a qualified medical provider. This might be a psychologist or a speech and language pathologist.
• Therapies: Unreimbursed expenses for occupational, speech, and behavioral therapies may qualify. Even yoga and horseback riding may count if they help manage your child’s symptoms. Again, you’ll need a doctor’s sign-off.
• Travel: Maybe you drive to a specialized school, tutor, therapist, or other treatment. If so, you may be able to deduct part of your car mileage and parking costs. You could also deduct airfare and some hotel costs if you need to travel with your child for testing, treatments, or consultations.
• Disability-related seminars or conferences: For an event to qualify, a health care provider has to recommend it. It also has to speak to your child’s specific issues. You may be able to deduct costs related to the event. Costs like transportation, materials, and lodging may count.

What about legal expenses?

The bar is high here. Generally, personal legal fees are not tax-deductible. But if hiring a lawyer is necessary to authorize or get medical treatment for your child, the lawyer’s fees may be deductible as a medical expense.

Do I need a special accountant to help me?

There’s no special kind of accountant who deals with deductions for learning and thinking differences. Word of mouth is a great way to find someone who has worked with families like yours. Parents in our secure online community may have recommendations.

But any good professional should be able to help you. The money they save you may be worth what they charge.

If you use a storefront tax service, come prepared with suggestions and documentation. It’s possible you may know more about the options than a less-experienced tax preparer.

Will taking all these deductions flag me for an audit?

It may, depending on how much you’re deducting. But that shouldn’t stop you from claiming what you deserve. The key is to document, document, document.

Save receipts for everything. Note what they were for, and keep them organized and easy to access. The same goes for doctor approvals, school assessments, and other papers that show why your costs were necessary.

Are there other ways to save on taxes, in addition to deductions?

It depends on your family’s circumstances. But another tax break to know about is the Child and Dependent Care Credit, which can reduce your taxes if you pay for child care in order to work. Keep in mind there are age limits to this credit.

You may also want to think about a 529 plan. This plan allows you to invest money, and then withdraw any gains tax-free to pay for education expenses. In the past, money from a 529 plan could only be spent on college-related expenses. But starting in 2018, up to $10,000 of K–12 education expenses also qualify.

These examples don’t cover all possible tax breaks. The best way to know what you can claim is to consult a qualified tax professional. You can ask them about these possibilities. And they may know of other tax credits or exemptions that would work for you.

You might also want to read about long-term financial planning for your child. With the right guidance, you may be able to put a dent in your extra costs.