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It’s no secret that if you’re using assisted reproductive technology to expand your family, things can get expensive. Depending on where you live, you might have some coverage from health insurance, but every little bit of savings counts. Which brings us to tax season—can you claim your fertility treatment and IVF expenses on your taxes?
Like most things when it comes to taxes, it’s complicated. You may be eligible to claim some costs on your tax return, but this largely depends on location.
Claiming your fertility expenses on your taxes in the United States
When it comes to IVF, you can write off unreimbursed medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of your annual gross income, and your fertility enhancement expenses are a qualified deductible expense. But make sure to only deduct the part of your costs that were not paid by your health insurance plan, Health Savings Account, or an Archer Medical Savings Account. If you’re self-employed, you may be eligible for the Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction.
Tax-deductible fertility medical expenses in the United States:
- Abortion
- Acupuncture treatments
- Birth control pills
- Embryo, egg and sperm storage
- Fertility Enhancement
- IUI
- IVF
- Lab fees
- Mileage
- Non-prescription drugs and medical expenses (including supplements and vitamins if recommended by a medical provider for a medical diagnosis)
- Pregnancy test kits
- Surgical expenses
For more information, use this questionnaire to determine if you able to deduct your medical expenses.
Claiming your fertility expenses on your taxes in Canada
When it comes to fertility treatment in Canada, you can write off a number of expenses (at least partially), though this differs from province to province. Some costs are also covered by provincial health care programs (which excludes them from being claimed on a tax return, like any reimbursed expenses). Other out-of-pocket expenses related to fertility treatment may be eligible (or partially eligible) to claim on your income tax return. For example, The Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) in Ontario allows you to claim a portion of your eligible fertility expenses (to figure out the calculation, you'll need to know your net annual income and last year's threshold amount). It’s best to have an accountant familiar with the changing Canadian allowances to help file taxes during the years you are undergoing fertility treatment and to always hang on to your receipts—having your fertility expenses audited can and does happen.
Tax-deductible fertility medical expenses in Canada:
- Egg and sperm freezing and storage
- Fertility-related procedures (amounts paid to conceive a child)
- In-vitro fertility expenses
- Medical tests (including urine analysis and x-ray services)
- Needles and syringes (with a prescription)
- Pre-natal and post-natal treatments
- Prescription drugs and medications (when prescribed by a medical practitioner and not over the counter)
- Some expenses related to surrogacy (if they are incurred in Canada and are a type that would be otherwise permitted as a medical expense of the individual)
- Travel expenses (if over 40 kilometres away (one way), equivalent medical services were not available near you, you took a reasonable route)
Ineligible fertility medical expenses in Canada:
- Over-the-counter medications (including vitamins and supplements), even if they are recommended for fertility treatment
- Insurance premiums
- Health services like gym memberships and personal training
- Anything considered a cosmetic procedure
- Payment for private health insurance plans
For more information, check the Government of Canada website to determine if you are able to deduct your medical expenses.
