Are Assisted Living Expenses Tax Deductible?

Yes — some assisted living expenses may be tax-deductible, but only under certain conditions. Here’s what you need to know:

✅ When Assisted Living Expenses Are Deductible

You (or a qualifying relative) may be able to deduct some or all assisted living costs as a medical expense if:

1. You itemize deductions

• You must file Schedule A with your federal tax return and itemize deductions (instead of taking the standard deduction).

2. You meet the IRS medical necessity rules

To deduct assisted living expenses, they must be primarily for medical care, not just room and board. This usually applies when:

• A doctor certifies that the resident is chronically ill and needs help with at least two activities of daily living (ADLs) (e.g., bathing, dressing, eating), or

• The resident needs substantial supervision due to cognitive impairment (e.g., Alzheimer’s, dementia)

This aligns with IRS Publication 502, which defines deductible medical expenses.

🔍 What You Can Deduct (If Qualified):

If the above conditions are met, you can generally deduct:

• Cost of personal care services (bathing, dressing, eating, etc.)

• Nursing care or therapeutic services

• Medication management

• Meals and lodging (but only if the primary reason for being in the facility is to get medical care)

🔹 Key point: If the primary reason for being in assisted living is for medical care, then meals and lodging may also be deductible.

❌ When Assisted Living Expenses Are Not Deductible:

• If the resident is there only for personal or custodial reasons (e.g., convenience, no medical necessity)

• If you’re taking the standard deduction instead of itemizing

• If the services are not medically necessary or not ordered by a doctor

📄 Example:

If your parent is in assisted living due to Alzheimer’s and needs daily assistance, and a doctor certifies the need for long-term care, then 100% of the assisted living cost may be deductible as a medical expense.

💡 Pro Tip:

• Ask the assisted living facility for a breakdown of medical vs non-medical expenses in your annual billing. This will help when preparing taxes.

• Consult a tax professional — especially if large deductions are involved.

Here’s a sample Doctor’s Certification Letter you can use to support the deduction of assisted living expenses as medical expenses on your taxes:

📝 Sample Doctor’s Certification Letter for Tax Deduction (IRS-Compliant)

🔐 Tips for Using This Letter:

• Keep it with your tax documentation — don’t send it to the IRS unless requested.

• Provide a copy to your tax preparer or accountant.

• Ask the assisted living facility for a statement of services showing what portion of the monthly cost is medical-related.