Tax Relief on Health Expenses for Third Party

[RabbitHutch]

I have medical expenses for this year 2012.

I am out of work since November 2010 and therefore am no longer a taxpayer.

A member of my family, who does pay tax, is prepared to pay the health expenses I incur this year for me.

Can that person then claim back the tax on my health expenses?

If it is possible, how can he prove to Revenue that the costs were paid by him>?

 

[ClubMan]

I have medical expenses for this year 2012.

Even if tax relief applies it cannot be claimed until the 2012 tax year has ended.

A member of my family, who does pay tax, is prepared to pay the health expenses I incur this year for me.

Can that person then claim back the tax on my health expenses?

Yes:

http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/leaflets/it6.html

In respect of whom may I claim the tax relief?

Claims for 2007 and subsequent tax years:
You may claim tax relief in respect of any qualifying health expenses paid by you in respect of any individual.

If it is possible, how can he prove to Revenue that the costs were paid by him>?

Retain all relevant receipts (for 7 years) in case Revenue ask to see them once the claim goes in.

 

[RabbitHutch]

Thanks for that.

I assume ill have to ensure the practitioner writes down something along the lines of "paid by X on behalf of Y(me)" on any receipts.

However, then would that not affect Health Insuarance claims from say VHI - they could say, we won't reimburse you as you did not foot the bill...

 

[ClubMan]

Worry about that if/when Revenue ask for receipts to backup the claim - which is unlikely in my direct and indirect experience to date.

 

[mandelbrot]

Thanks for that.

I assume ill have to ensure the practitioner writes down something along the lines of "paid by X on behalf of Y(me)" on any receipts.

However, then would that not affect Health Insuarance claims from say VHI - they could say, we won't reimburse you as you did not foot the bill...

I don't see any reason for either of the above...

Firstly, all Revenue will ask to see is the receipts in the event of deciding to examine a claim - as long as the taxpayer produces them then they aren't going to argue. Generally a receipt from a doctor just has the patient name.

As regards health insurance, I would have thought the event that triggers and validates your claim is that you received the treatment. You are the one who is insured, and just because someone else has decided to give you money towards the cost (other than under an obligation to do so, such as another insurance policy), why should that affect the status of your claim.