Solved

I am permanently disabled and wondering if I can deduct my solar battery installed primarily to backup power for medical equipment

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
February 24, 2023
2 replies
0 views

No text available

TurboTax Online

Best answer by PattiF

A solar battery backup system can be deducted as a medical expense on Schedule A Itemized deductions.

The IRS allows all taxpayers to deduct their qualified unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of their adjusted gross income. You must itemize your deductions on IRS Schedule A in order to deduct your medical expenses.

You need to have clear proof that your physical or mental condition demands a solar battery power backup. A letter from your medical care provider stating the reason for needing a solar-powered backup for power outages should be kept with your records.

To enter your whole-home generator and any other itemized deductions follow these steps:

Sign in to your TurboTax account.
Enter itemized deductions in the search box.
In the results, box click on jump to itemized deductions.
Follow the screen prompts to enter your solar battery power backup expenses and any other itemized deductions.

P

PattiFAnswer

A solar battery backup system can be deducted as a medical expense on Schedule A Itemized deductions.

The IRS allows all taxpayers to deduct their qualified unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of their adjusted gross income. You must itemize your deductions on IRS Schedule A in order to deduct your medical expenses.

You need to have clear proof that your physical or mental condition demands a solar battery power backup. A letter from your medical care provider stating the reason for needing a solar-powered backup for power outages should be kept with your records.

To enter your whole-home generator and any other itemized deductions follow these steps:

Sign in to your TurboTax account.
Enter itemized deductions in the search box.
In the results, box click on jump to itemized deductions.
Follow the screen prompts to enter your solar battery power backup expenses and any other itemized deductions.

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

J

jimbrandt2000Author

Awesome and thanks

so additional questions:

1. if I get a credit do I just subtract that from the total cost or can I submit the total cost

2: Can I charge this to my health savings account after I get the letter from my provider?

KrisD15

To answer in reverse order,

Yes

you may charge this to an HSA which is a great idea

Whatever credit you receive, be it from the HSA or if you receive an energy tax credit, that credit must be subtracted from the total cost of the battery and installation before entering as a medical expense.

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

J

jimbrandt2000Author

Sorry:

I also need to know if the increased solar panels I added can be charged as well.

I also have a small generator as backup in-case of power down too long and solar not generating enough power.

I am assuming I need my provider to put (Battery, Solar upgrades, Generator) in the letter and follow your responses.

So best option is after deducting credits, put in the balances as medical expenses. Do not use HSA as I want the deduction on tax year. (Save HSA for other costs)

FYI: cases where this makes sense for me: 1: we lost power 5 times last year. 2: if we have major earthquake, and power out for extended period (I had 2 week outage from 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake).... Thanks