Hi,

I have a physical disability that is partially aided by two emotional support animals (yes, I have all the necessary documentation, doctors notes, etc), and have been told (IRS website) that I can deduct the cost of "maintaining" my support animals (which would include costs of medical care, food, training, etc.). So here's my question:

I got my support dogs medical insurance. I know I can deduct what I have paid out that is not covered by insurance, but can I deduct my monthly insurance premium?

Thanks for your help!

#1;Correct; the costs of buying, training, and maintaining a service animal to assist an individual with mental disabilities may qualify as medical care if you can establish that you are using the service animal primarily for medical care to alleviate a mental defect or illness and that you would not have paid the expenses but for the disease or illness

#2;It depends. you can aslongas you itemize deductions on Sch A of 1040. So UNLESS you itemize your deductions on Sch A of 1-040, then, you can not claim your insurance premiums on your return. Premiums paid for private health insurance can be included with other medical and dental expenses as itemized deductions on Sch A, Form 1040. However, you can deduct only the amount of these expenses that exceeds 10% (unless you are 65 or older) of yourAGI, which is the amt reported on line 38 of Form 1040. So you must subtract 10% of your AGI from your medical expenses to determine your allowed medical-expense deduction on your return.