Deducting hearing aids from tax - your guide 2024

Hearing aids and taxes - a guide to deducting costs

Hearing aids are an indispensable part of everyday life for many people. But with the cost of purchasing and maintaining them, the question often arises: can these expenses be deducted from tax? This article sheds light on how hearing aids and related expenses can be taken into account in your tax return.

Fundamentals of tax relief for hearing aids

Hearing aids are medical aids and their costs can be claimed for tax purposes under certain conditions. This applies to both the purchase costs and ongoing expenses such as batteries or repairs.

Hearing aids as extraordinary expenses

As a rule, costs for hearing aids are recognized as "extraordinary expenses" in the tax return. However, they must exceed a certain deductible, which depends on income, marital status and other factors.

Calculation of the deductible

The calculation of the deductible is complex. Generally speaking, the higher the income, the higher the deductible. This amount may be lower for pensioners and people with a lower income.

Documentation and evidence

Accurate documentation of costs is essential for tax deductions. You should therefore keep all invoices and receipts carefully. A doctor's prescription can also be helpful to prove the necessity of the hearing aid

Tips for keeping receipts

Keeping receipts in an orderly manner not only makes tax returns easier, but is also important in case the tax office has any queries. Digital copies can also serve as an additional safeguard.

Special cases and particularities

There are various special regulations, for example for professionals who need their hearing aid for work. In such cases, the costs may be fully deductible under certain circumstances.

Conclusions and recommendations for action

In summary, it can be said that the costs of hearing aids are often tax-deductible. It is important to be well informed in advance and to carefully collect all the necessary receipts. Advice from a tax consultant can be useful in more complex cases.

FAQs

1. Can I always deduct the cost of a hearing aid from my tax bill? Yes, in most cases these costs are deductible as extraordinary expenses.

2. Do I have to pay the full cost of a hearing aid myself in order to deduct it? No, co-payments and personal contributions are also tax-deductible.

4. How long should I keep the receipts for my hearing aid? It is recommended that receipts are kept until at least the end of the fourth year after the tax return is submitted.

6. Can the cost of hearing aid batteries also be deducted? Yes, ongoing costs such as batteries can also be claimed.

8. Is a doctor's prescription necessary for the deduction of hearing aid costs? A doctor's prescription is helpful, but not always mandatory.