Medical Mileage Deduction for 2008?

2BWEDN2007

Have any moms of 2008 preemies filed their taxes and qualified for this?

DH is self-employed and we are always looking for new ways to reduce our taxable income. We just recently heard that you can deduct standard mileage for medical expenses (traveling to and from doctor's office or hospital). We are not sure if traveling to and from the NICU in Boston (97.9 miles round-trip) will qualify though because the IRS website states that the travel has to be necessary to receive medical treatment, but since DS was already AT the hospital and we were just commuting to SEE him I am not sure if that counts.

 Anyone have any information or insight into this?

lstaylor73

Yes, we did this.  We're not tax professionals so consult one for the finer points, it is a three page description in the 2008 tax guide and we poured over it very carefully.  Your travel to and from the NICU and subsequent follow up visits, as well as all other medical visits for you and your family does count because you are the parents and are primary caregivers of your dependent who needs you, and it's also justifiable by the fact that you provide breast milk.  You do have to break the threshold of 7.5% of your taxable income to qualify for this deduction.

Hope that helps!

njkaren

We did this. Your mileage to and from the NICU does count.

dmblack

We deducted our mileage as well.  It was 70 miles round trip for us. 

gymrat

We also deducted our mileage. It was part of the medical deductions segment in Turbo Tax.

MCGMK

I wish I knew that when I did our taxes!!!!

2BWEDN2007

Thanks everyone! This made my day! We traveled 97.9 miles 6 days a week for 3 months and then another 3 weeks at a closer hospital. We have already had about 6 follow-up appointments in Boston. I am glad I kept track!

I just wish I had saved our receipts from the parking garage. We paid at least $7 per day and sometimes upwards of $20!