Question

Phillip, age 66, developed hip problems and was unable to climb the stairs to reach his second-floor bedroom. his physician advised him to add a first-floor bedroom to his home. the cost of constructing the room was $32,000. the increase in the value of the residence as a result of the room addition was determined to be $17,000. in addition, phillip paid the contractor $5,500 to construct an entrance ramp to his home and $8,500 to widen the hallways to accommodate his wheelchair. phillip's agi for 2017 was $75,000. how much of these expenditures can phillip deduct as a medical expense in 2017?

Answer 1

I would say that Phillip can deduct all of these expenses from his income tax since they are all due to his hip problem and the necessity of using a wheelchair. If Phillip could, he wouldn't use a wheelchair and perhaps when his hip mends he will be able to dispense with it but until then he can deduct these expenses from his income,