IVF and taxes

[buliej]

Well, I called the ATO - she concluded that my acupuncture treatments from the acupuncturist who is registered are claimable but the ones from the one who is not are not.

Also, the ATO confirmed what Manhattan said, that because DH is my spouse, I can add his out of pocket medical expenses to mine and claim them all on behalf of both of us.

I also got a receipt number and she took my tax file number so I assume that even if down the road there is an issue, there is a record that I queried the ATO and was following their advice.

[dusty]

Thanks Buliej for finding that out. I had no idea that I could claim DH's expense with mine as his alone wouldn't reach the threshhold.

[buliej]

Dusty - same with us - although DH has expenses, he wouldn't meet the threshold on his own.

[Where there's hope]

I do my own E-tax and was tearing my hair out a few days ago with this one...

I had already got my health fund to itemise what I had claimed on and E-tax had given me a total pre-filled Medicare figure. I had done the MC Investigation Program plus IVF and knew some items are not presented to Medicare, but which ones?

So I rang the accounts section of SIVF - best thing I could have done! Today in the mail I have recieved a copy of all my invoices. The accountant has very kindly divided them into:

1. Out of pocket expenses - can claim on tax (Medicare does not know of these)
2. Medicare claimable. My understanding is Medicare would have already taken these into account when pre-filling my tax return
3. Health Fund covered, eg: Theatre/Accommodation for EPU and ET. I can follow these through from my health fund printout.

I did not do the complete MC Investigation Program, but in my case I have learned I can claim for the "Med. Facility & Admin. charge inc. Coord. & couns" and "Thrombophilia Screening"

For IVF-ers - EMBRYO FREEZING WAS NOT COVERED BY MEDICARE. THIS IS A SUBSTANTIAL OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE.

Anyway, going to attempt to put all this paperwork to good use now. Wish me luck.

HTH
WTH x

[Where there's hope]

Buliej - just to clarify on claiming DH's out-of-pocket expenses on my tax return - is this only fertility related (which involves both of us) or can I claim all of his expenses (eg, medication when he had his wisdom teeth out)?

[buliej]

It is my understanding that it is all of his medical - not just fertility related.

[Where there's hope]

Thanks, hun. That clears everything up for me