Menopause-Specific IRS Tax Deductions

Women in perimenopause spend an average of $2,000 annually on symptom management that could qualify for tax benefits. Very few claim these deductions.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

• Unlock the IRS rules that work in your menopausal favor

• Discover exactly which menopause expenses qualify for deductions

• Learn the documentation system that satisfies even the strictest tax auditors

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THE 7.5% THRESHOLD: Your First Step to Savings

The IRS defines medical care expenses as "the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body." The tax code doesn't specifically mention menopause, but that doesn't mean we can't work the system to our advantage.

First things first: you need to understand the 7.5% AGI threshold.

According to IRS Publication 502, you can itemize and deduct only the amount of your medical and dental expenses that is more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) on Schedule A (Form 1040).

Let's make this real: If your AGI is $80,000, you need more than $6,000 in qualified medical expenses before deductions kick in. This is why strategic timing and comprehensive tracking are essential for menopause warriors.

You must choose between itemizing deductions (where these medical expenses would count) OR taking the standard deduction. You can't do both. If your total itemized deductions don't exceed the standard deduction amount, these medical expenses won't help your tax situation.

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HORMONE THERAPY: Your Biggest Money-Saving Opportunity

The IRS defines medical expenses as "costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for affecting any function of the body." That definition opens doors for menopause-related deductions.

What qualifies:

• Prescription HRT medications

• Blood work and testing needed for diagnosis and monitoring

• Doctor visits specifically for hormone management

• Travel expenses to medical providers (at 21 cents per mile for 2024)

Make no mistake—even that 45-minute drive to your specialist counts. The IRS permits deducting "transportation primarily for and essential to medical care" including gas, parking fees, and tolls.

BEYOND HORMONES: Other Qualifying Expenses

You're watching your dollars disappear on these often-overlooked deductible expenses. Make no mistake—with proper documentation, these can qualify:

Sleep & Temperature Regulation

• Cooling equipment (with doctor's letter of necessity)

• Treatments for menopause-related sleep disorders

Mental Health Support

• Therapy for anxiety and depression (because menopause does a number on your mental health)

• Psychiatric care and medications

• Mental health app subscriptions (with proper documentation)

Weight Management

• Medically supervised weight loss programs (with a physician's prescription)

• Nutritionist visits for menopause-related metabolic changes (with referral)

• Some meal replacement programs (when prescribed)

For cooling products, weight-loss programs, and other symptom management expenses, the IRS demands more than just receipts. ‘Eat less and exercise more' won't qualify. You need your healthcare provider to specifically document these items are medically necessary to address your menopause symptoms. This is where you need to advocate for yourself.

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DOCUMENTATION: The Key to Successful Deductions

Listen, the IRS isn't going to take your word for it.

You're getting your money right by implementing a bulletproof documentation system:

1. Create a dedicated "Tax Deduction" folder (physical or digital)

2. Keep all medical receipts, organized by category

3. Request detailed invoices that specify treatments

4. Maintain a mileage log for medical appointments (the standard medical mileage rate is 21 cents per mile for 2024)

5. Get prescription records from your pharmacy annually

6. Ask your doctor for letters of medical necessity for unusual expenses

7. Take photos of receipts (they fade!) and store digitally

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SHARE THIS WISDOM

I'm challenging you to identify three women in your life who could benefit from these tax strategies.

Forward this article to:

1. A friend who just mentioned hot flashes

2. Your coworker spending a fortune on sleep solutions

3. That sister-friend who's always complaining about her medical bills

When we lift each other up financially, we create a community of wealth-builders.