Reminders about Tutoring and other medical tax deductions

As tax time nears, don't forget that tutoring costs for children
diagnosed with learning disabilities are allowed under the medical
expenses. Allowances also include private and non-public school
school tuitions that offer special education.
Don't forget about other therapies like speech, occupational, or
mental health which are also included. Transportation costs are also
deductible.

Here is what the IRS says:

You can include in medical expenses fees you pay on a doctor’s
recommendation for a child’s tutoring by a teacher who is specially
trained and qualified to work with children who have learning
disabilities caused by mental or physical impairments, including
nervous system disorders.You can include in medical expenses the cost
(tuition, Therapy meals, and lodging) of attending a school that
furnishes special education to help a child to overcome learning
disabilities. A doctor must recommend that the child attend therapy
received as medical treatment. the school. Overcoming the learning
disabilities must be a principal reason for attending the school, and
any ordinary education received must be incidental to the special
education provided. Special education includes:
· Teaching Braille to a visually impaired person, a kidney or other organ.
· Teaching lip reading to a hearing-impaired person,
· Giving remedial language training to correct a condition caused by a
birth defect.

You cannot include in medical expenses the cost of sending a problem
child to a school primarily for, disciplinary methods have a
beneficial effect on the child’s attitude.

To download the IRS document. click here.
http://tinyurl.com/yeztmmd

Testimony of Dr. Kearns before US House Committee

The testimony of Dr. Jacqui Kearns at the hearing of the House Education and Labor Committee’s Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education held March 18, 2010 on “ESEA Reauthorization - Addressing the Needs of Diverse Students” is available on YouTube here.

Kearns told the members that, in part, “Special education as typically practiced in this country has questionable effectiveness.” Kearns’ written testimony is available here.

In contrast, U.S. Education Ass’t Secretary Alexa Posny told the House Appropriations Committee at its March 25, 2010 hearing on the President’s FY11 Budget request, “Most students with disabilities graduate with regular diplomas and continue to employment, job training, or higher education (often starting at the community college level) in the same progression as students in regular education.” Posny’s testimony is available here.