January 23, 2019
The IRS recently released the updated version of Publication 502 (Medical and Dental Expenses). The publication has been updated for use in preparing taxpayers’ 2018 federal income tax returns.
Publication 502 describes which medical expenses are deductible. For employers, Publication 502 provides valuable guidance on which expenses might qualify as IRC Section 213(d) medical expenses, which is helpful in identifying expenses that may be reimbursed or paid by a health FSA, HRA (or other employer-sponsored group health plan) or an HSA. However, employers should understand that Publication 502 does not include all of the rules for reimbursing expenses under those plans.
The recently released Publication 502 is substantially similar to prior versions. Dollar amounts have been updated, where appropriate, to account for inflation (e.g. the standard mileage rate for use of an automobile to obtain medical care).
Publication 502 »