Breastfeeding moms get a tax break…here is how

Time to actually give a shout out to the IRS from breastfeeding moms!  The internal revenue service recently announced that nursing supplies such as pumps and  lactation supplies are going to be considered tax-deductible expenses.  These supplies can be reimbursed through a flexible spending account or categorized towards a medical deduction. To deduct medical expenses, your medical and dental costs have to exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.  That seems like a lot, but if you take into account all the care you had while pregnant that year, plus any classes you took, doctors visits, well baby visits and now your breastfeeding supplies, it won’t be hard to reach that amount.

According to Barbara Kogen, a CPA from NSBN LLP, the change is retroactive to 2010.  This means you should go back and check all your receipts because you may be able to refile your 2010 taxes.

So what is really considered breastfeeding supplies?  Based on the regulations from the IRS it is the supplies that are used primarily for extracting milk.  So while you cannot write off your nursing tanks or Lansinoh Cream, you can write off those extra pump parts you used.  You can read up on more detailed information at the IRS website.

Reference:  http://www.cbsnews.com/news/finally-a-tax-break-for-breastfeeding-mothers/