Deduct care costs from taxes: extraordinary burdens

Illness and care costs that you bear yourself can be asserted for tax as an extraordinary burden. The tax office, however, deducts a reasonable own burden that depends on income and marital status. For the care of relatives there is also a care lump sum.

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Self-borne care and illness costs can be deducted as an extraordinary burden (§ 33 EStG), to the extent they exceed the reasonable burden. This reduces your taxable income.

If you care for a relative free of charge, you can claim a care lump sum depending on the care level (§ 33b EStG). Own contributions for a home or care service also count, to the extent they are not covered by the care fund.

What you should do now

1
1. Collect the costs
Collect receipts for care, home, care service, medicines and further self-borne illness costs.
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2. Deduct reimbursements
Deduct benefits from the care and health funds, only your own contribution counts.
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3. Note the reasonable burden
The tax office deducts a reasonable own burden; only the excess part takes effect.
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4. Check the care lump sum
If you care for a relative free of charge, check the care lump sum depending on the care level.

How to spot the scam

You claim only part of the self-borne costs.
Fund reimbursements are not deducted (that is noticed).
The care lump sum for caring for relatives is overlooked.

Frequently asked questions

Can I deduct care costs from taxes?

Yes, self-borne care and illness costs count as an extraordinary burden (§ 33 EStG). However, they only take effect to the extent they exceed the reasonable burden, which depends on income, marital status and number of children.

What is the reasonable burden?

An own contribution that the tax office deducts from the extraordinary burdens. Only the part beyond it reduces your tax. The amount depends on your income, your marital status and the number of your children.

What is the care lump sum?

If you care for a relative free of charge in a home environment, you can claim a care lump sum depending on the care level (§ 33b EStG) without having to prove individual costs. Own contributions for a home or care service you can additionally assert as an extraordinary burden.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.