A couple of months ago I wrote about how the IRS Says "Hello No!" to Breast Pumps. Basically, they said breast-feeding did not have enough health benefits to qualify as medical care. In the end, moms let the IRS have it. (Which, as anyone with a mom knows, they are prone to do.)
In the end, the IRS had a change of heart and concluded with the following:
That breast pumps and supplies that assist lactation are medical care under §213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code because, like obstetric care, they are for the purpose of affecting a structure or function of the body of the lactating woman.
Therefore, if the remaining requirements of §213(a) are met (for example, the taxpayer's total medical expenses exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income), expenses paid for breast pumps and supplies that assist lactation are deductible medical expenses. Amounts reimbursed for these expenses under flexible spending arrangements, Archer medical savings accounts, health reimbursement arrangements, or health savings accounts are not income to the taxpayer.
Final Words: This example shows the power of your voice when it comes to IRS rules and regulations. Don't be silent if you don't like what the IRS has to say about what is tax deductible, and what isn't. Speak out.
