Growing Family Benefits
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Banking Umbilical Cord Blood
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Children Topics |
Cord Blood Banking Costs Deductible
Banking Cord Blood Costs and Tax DeductionsMany growing families choose to pay for umbilical cord blood collection and storage when their infant is perfectly healthy. The costs associated with banking your infant's umbilical cord blood is like buying an insurance policy against future health risks. In these cases the expenses are not deductible as there is no underlying medical condition.
There are usually two fees associated with cord blood banking. The initial fee includes enrollment, collection and storage for the first year. The second is an annual storage charge. Initial costs will range from $900 to $2100. Annual fees beyond the initial storage charge are approximately $100. First Dollar Tax Savings for Cord BloodYou have two options for your deductible umbilical cord blood banking costs. Cut these costs by 1/3 or more using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). An FSA may save more money than taking a medical deduction using Schedule A. The cost of collection, transplantation, freezing, and storage of embryonic stem cells will be eligible for a tax deduction as long as a medical condition is present.
Using an FSA to pay for cord blood banking makes the most sense because of first dollar tax savings. Deducting these charges using Schedule A requires you to meet a deductible expense hurdle of 7.5% of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). That amount climbs to 10% beginning in the 2014 tax year. Unless you expect to experience a very high level of other medical expenses, it is unlikely you will see any tax savings from cord blood collection and storage fees alone. Predictable and Unexpected DeductionsSecond, the costs are very predictable. You know exactly what needs to be paid and when. Many families are put off by the FSA use it or lose it rule. The predictable expenses minimize this concern.
Third, an pre-tax payroll deductions save you money in a variety of ways: FICA tax savings, and hidden tax savings associated with a lower reported W2 income can make a big difference. Always consult your tax adviser to determine the best approach for your family. What if your employer does not offer a flexible spending account, and your cord blood costs don't tip your deductible expenses above your AGI threshold? Your family may not see any tax savings unless you can identify enough other qualified medical expenses. Your collection, banking and storage costs are only deductible if there is an underlying medical condition: either for your infant or another family member. Chances are there will be other un-reimbursed medical expenses from insurance deductibles, co pays, co insurance, experimental treatments, out of network charges, etc. Find out about more qualifying expenses associated with growing families to improve your odds of tax savings. |
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