Medical expenses at tax time/NYC Conference 2009

[Guest guest]

Howdy, y'all. There are many obvious medical expenses that many of us

encounter throughout the year that can be written off at tax time.

However, there's one that may not be as obvious, but may be a huge help

when it comes to planning for next year's national conference in 2009.

According to IRS Pub 502, Medical and Dental Expenses, on page 11,

You can include in medical expenses amounts paid for

admission and transportation to a medical conference if

the medical conference concerns the chronic illness of

yourself, your spouse, or your dependent. The costs of the

medical conference must be primarily for and necessary to

the medical care of you, your spouse, or your dependent.

The majority of the time spent at the conference must be

spent attending sessions on medical information.

CAUTION!

The cost of meals and lodging while attending the

conference is not deductible as a medical ex-

pense.

This means that the conference registration fee itself, as well as

transportation to and from New York, should all be deductible on your

2009 tax return when you fill it out in 2010. If you have a medical

flex plan through your employer, you may be able to get reimbursed for

these expenses in 2009 when you incur them, rather than waiting for tax

time in 2010.

Keep in mind that I am certainly not a tax professional, so please

consult one to make sure you can do this, but I did want to make sure

that y'all knew this was an option. Anything that makes the trip easier

is a good thing!!

Mike, dad to Evan (5, ah) and Caitlin (16mo, achon)

--

Mike Mallinson

*M Factor Lighting*

/Live Event Design & Production/

Santa Clarita, CA

661.472.2657 cell