Is Recovery Tax Dedutible?

[gnurse2089]

Hi all,

So I reached the four month mark of a 3 year probationary term with the CA BON (Feels like 4 years) and most of the kinks have been worked out. I've completed all my assessments, was excused from treatment due to the results of my chemical dependency assessment, so now all I have to do is complete my assigned courses, attend my meetings and daily check ins. Life is somewhat back to normal, I did have the question for the group though.

As those in California know, the drug screens through First Lab add up. Thus far, I've run up a tab of 545 bucks in four months (Usually 2-3 drug screens a month). That's not to mention the collection fee from the collection sites themselves which ranges anywhere from 30-45 bucks. (One site even charged me 50, needless to say I haven't gone back). What I'm wondering is, can we report this on our taxes anywhere so that I see some of that money back at the end of the year?

Technically, I need to complete these screens to work so can't they be reported as a work related expense? Would love to hear if anyone's had any success with this. Maybe its just wishful thinking. By the end of this whole thing I will probably have spent as much as if I had bought a small car, but I'm thankful I can work and that my restrictions aren't too intrusive. Hoping I can get released early after two years.

Thanks in advance for the replies.

[Big Blondie, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

Yes the expeditures can be claimed in multiple ways. Your tax advisor could help you with that!

[willow14]

Hey Blondie, I didn't realize we could claim any of our expenses during monitoring.....had I known I could have claimed something , I certainly would have tried. What have been able to claim? The cost of drug screens or for AODA counseling? Thanks!

[Big Blondie, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

I am not giving tax advice per terms! But, I and others in my professional support group have been able to claim certain program costs. Requirements for maintaining licensure is deductible. That includes drug screens and monitoring fees. Other related costs such as treatment and counseling are healthcare costs which are also covered. A person who is self employed may also claim these. Mileage to and from medical appointments is also deductible. Just a few examples of what people in my group have done. My group is NPs, MDs, JDs PharmDs, RTs, PTs and a pilot!

[willow14]

I understand about not being able to give tax advice...lol. Thanks so much for your insight.....definitely something I might check onto!

[Omaapecm, ASN, RN]

I was unable to claim any of my programs expenses in the state of Nevada. Maybe I need a new tax lady!

[caliotter3]

If the deductions would be substantial, one might consider filing amended returns for previous tax years in order to claim them. Again, see a tax professional if needed.