Vehcle Purchased for Medical reasons.

bandguy · #1 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 08:33 AM

Hello Everyone,
I purchased a used mini Van Feb. 20 2009. The reason for the purchase of this particular vehicle was because it is the right height to allow me easy access. At the same time the side doors are lower to make loading my electric wheelchair possible. Can I deduct all or any part of this purchase on my taxes (medical Expenses)? If so can I deduct the payments each year as I make them?

Thanks for the help,

Mike

TaxGuru · #2 (**permalink**) 02-03-2010, 01:38 AM

Mike,

The IRS has stated that a taxpayer "can include in medical expenses the cost of special hand controls and other special equipment installed in a car for the use of a person with a disability." Now, I am assuming that the car purchased was specifically designed for a disabled person!

Also, the IRS has stated that a taxpayer "can include in medical expenses the difference between the cost of a regular car and a car specially designed to hold a wheelchair." Now, based on the this I am not confident that you can deduct the entire cost of the car, rather the difference in the price of a regular car and the car with modifications that were installed to better enable you to use the vehicle. The additional cost can be expensed in the year you purchased the car, and the timing of your payments has no impact on your able to deduct the entire additional cost of modifications to the car.

Hopefully, this would help you!