Parents of special needs children incur a lot of expenses on special schools, therapies, medications, learning materials, and a lot of other services their child requires. Save those receipts and know there will be some retribution for you in April. Parents, grandparents, and other care givers providing complete support of a child that has been officially diagnosed with learning disabilities and other mental, physical or emotional situations may qualify for special needs child tax deductions

Before claiming tax deductions on your special needs child, consult your tax attorney or the Internal Revenue Service. The Internal Revenue Service has the right to audit any individual’s annual tax returns for up to six years after it was filed; keep all documentation pertaining to your return for at least that long.

Following is a list of items you MAY be able to deduct:

1. Medical Expenses – can include hospital visits, check ups, medication, and medical devices necessary for your child to function that were not covered by your insurance or put thru a FLEX account.
2. Private Schools and Programs – If your child has an official diagnosis and attends a school and/or program that accommodates their disability and supplies a curriculum that aids in the academic and social development of your special needs child, you may be able write the tuition and fees off. Collect documentation (doctor recommendations, IEPS, etc.) to support your child’s placement in the school and/or program.
3. Mileage – you can write off mileage used to drive your child to and from various doctor appointments and therapies.
4. Therapeutic Materials – (ie. Adaptive headphones, weighted vests, sensory swings, etc.) Keep a list of items you bought, how much they cost, and how they aide in your child’s development to review with your tax accountant to see what can be written off.
5. Seminars/Conferences – Any events that you attended to learn more about your child’s specific condition may also qualify as a tax deduction. Remember to verify your attendance and have a written recommendation to attend from your child’s doctor. Travel, food and accommodation expenses can also be included in this deduction.