Nursing benefits better deductible

Maintenance costs can be claimed from now on up to an amount of 20,000 euros in the tax

The care costs can be claimed from now on up to an amount of 20,000 euros in the tax, said the Federal Ministry of Health on Tuesday. But what does that mean exactly: Up to 20 percent of the care costs can now be deducted from the income tax liability. The care and support is now one of the "household services". These include, for example, costs for household help or cleaning work which are taken over by service providers. The tax advantage applies up to an amount of 20,000 euros annually. This means that a maximum of 4000 euros may be deducted accordingly.

In addition, according to new regulations, patients in need of care are exempted from the obligation to provide evidence. A corresponding level of care need no longer be presented. The Federal Ministry of Health has therefore introduced new regulations to ensure that people also use external service providers for care who are not assigned to any care level. However, the financial aid paid out by the long-term care funds is not credited for the tax benefit. This also applies if relatives receive the money for the care. Long-term care benefits, which are earmarked for specific expenses, will continue to be deducted from deductible expenses. (18.02.2010)

To read more:
Press release of the Federal Government

Picture credits: Rike