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Ruling

Subject: Medical expenses

Question

Can you include the cost of dental treatment for your sibling in a calculation for a medical expense tax offset?

Answer

No.

This ruling applies for the following period

Year ended 30 June 2012

The scheme commenced on

1 July 2011

Relevant facts

You have paid for dental treatment for a sibling to help your parents.

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Section 159P(1)

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Section 159P(4)

Reasons for decision

A medical expenses tax offset is available under subsection 159P(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (ITAA 1936) where you pay medical expenses in an income year for yourself or a dependant who is an Australian resident, to the extent that you are not reimbursed, or are eligible to be reimbursed, from a government or public authority or a society, association or fund.

A 'dependant' is defined in subsection 159P(4) of the ITAA 1936 as:

Your sibling does not fit into the above definition. Therefore, you cannot include any of the for your sibling's dental treatment as part of a calculation for a medical expense tax offset.


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