Medical Expenses You May Be Missing

We all want to save whatever money we can on our taxes. Tax credits are one way to do it, but are you taking advantage of all the credits available to you? Here are some medical expenses that are eligible for the medical expense tax credit which you may not be aware of.

• Celiac Disease and Gluten-Free Food

For those who suffer from Celiac disease, the premium paid on gluten-free food is claimable as a medical expense. To calculate this amount, find the difference in cost between the gluten-free food item and the equivalent product which contains gluten. You will need the following to claim these expenses:

• A detailed summary of all gluten-free food items purchased during the 12-month period for which you are claiming the expense
• Receipts from the purchase of each claimed gluten-free food item
• A letter from a medical practitioner which certifies that you have Celiac disease and are required to follow a gluten-free diet

Keep these documents in case the CRA requests to see them, but you need not submit them as part of your return.

• Travel Expenses Related to Medical Services

If you must travel 40 kilometres or more (one way) from your home to receive medical services, you can claim public transportation fees as a medical expense. This includes the cost of buses, trains, and taxis.

You may also claim vehicle expenses if public transportation is not available. To do so, you may choose to claim in one of two ways: the detailed method involves submitting the actual amount that you have spent, while the simplified method uses a flat rate per kilometre travelled.

If you travel 80 kilometres or more (one way) from home to seek medical services, you may also claim parking, meals, and accommodations on top of your travel expenses. As with vehicle expenses, meal expenses can be claimed using either the detailed or simplified method, using a flat rate per meal.

• Occupational Therapist

The events of the past year have necessitated lifestyle changes for many, such as working from home. If you acquired the services of an occupational therapist to create a more ergonomic workplace in your home, you can claim their fees as a medical expense.

• Fertility Treatments

If you are trying to conceive a child, fees that you have paid to a medical practitioner are eligible medical expenses, as are fees paid to a public or licensed private hospital. In vitro fertility programs are also included.

• Air Conditioner

An individual with a severe chronic disease or disorder may claim $1,000 or 50% of the cost of an air conditioner (whichever is less) as a medical expense. This requires a prescription from a medical practitioner.

These are just some of the claimable medical expenses that you may have overlooked. To verify whether other expenses qualify as medical expenses, check here for a complete list.

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