Breastfeeding Tax Deductions

greengirl0909

So I've been reading the articles about the IRS now allowing breastfeeding supplies to be used as a tax deduction as part of a medical expense. I think this is great, although a short sighted effort as the amount needed to qualify will be increasing soon and fewer folks will qualify for a medical deduction anyway. Still, I appreciate the effort.  However, so many of these articles have comments posted where people are livid over this and frustrated by this opportunity afforded to breastfeeding mothers.  I don't understand this frustration.  The nature of tax deductions is that some people qualify and others don't.  Several weeks agao someone commented that we give tax deductions to causes we hope to encourge folks to do, so why not breastfeeding also?

MexiCali

can you post a link to the comments? I'm curious as to what they are frustrated about and how. Is it that they don't think BF mothers should be allowed tax deductions vs FF mothers?

yankeebaby2

I don't see it any different than a tax deduction for moving, education or energy credits. 

greengirl0909

Here's the page I'm on right now:

https://www.politicsdaily.com/2011/02/14/michelle-obama-to-promote-breast-feeding-as-irs-gives-tax-breaks/

some of these are frustrated at Michelle Obama and others go into ranting about bfing in public.  Ironically, some of them are b*tching about being reimbursed for pumps, then others say, can't you  just pump and not BR in public?

Yesterday on 6 -9 there were a couple of girls who FF who were fired up about the deduction.

lovinfall

I have a feeling those complaining that breastfeeding supplies counts toward a medical deduction would have in general issues with credits and deductions.

 

 

mrs.mastro

In order to deduct breastfeeding expenses (or any medical expense) on Schedule A as an itemized deduction, your total OOP medical expenses must be greater than 7.5% of your AGI (adjusted gross income).  So if your income is $100,000, you can't even deduct any medical expenses unless the total is over $7,500.  I doubt this even applies to very many people. 

greengirl0909

mrs.mastro:

In order to deduct breastfeeding expenses (or any medical expense) on Schedule A as an itemized deduction, your total OOP medical expenses must be greater than 7.5% of your AGI (adjusted gross income).  So if your income is $100,000, you can't even deduct any medical expenses unless the total is over $7,500.  I doubt this even applies to very many people. 

Right, and with the new healthcare stuff, that number is going up.