Image Credit: John-Morgan on Flickr.
With Tax Day quickly approaching, we wanted remind you to be up to speed on the current IRS laws regarding what breast pumps and breastfeeding supplies considered tax-deductible medical expenses.
In order to qualify for this deduction, your total medical expenses for the year need to be greater than 7.5% of adjusted gross income. You’ll also need to itemize expenses on your tax form.
What other breastfeeding products qualify for the deduction?
The IRS states that “breast pumps and supplies that assist lactation” are qualified expenses, but there is no specific list of tax-deductible breastfeeding supplies. We checked with a few major pharmacies, and they’ve listed nursing pads, gel pads, nipple cream, and milk storage bags as qualified expenses.
Planning to buy a breast pump this year?
If you’re planning to purchase a pump or breastfeeding supplies in 2012, you can also use pre-tax money from your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) towards these expenses.
What are FSAs and HSAs?
Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts are tax-advantaged accounts that allow you to put aside pre-tax dollars to save for qualified medical expenses that aren’t covered by insurance.
For more information or help setting up a health savings account, talk to your insurance provider or your employer’s HR department (if you receive health insurance through work). You can also learn more on the IRS website.
Keep in mind that FSA/HSA benefits can vary, so check with your plan administrator or HR department if you have specific questions about eligible deductions. Make sure to keep all receipts for your breast pump and breastfeeding supplies as well.
Do you have any additional questions about tax deductions for breastfeeding moms? Let us know and we’d be happy to research them for you!
