I have to use an oxygen concentrator, is this a disability from the tax point of view?

By Marc Sevitz · Updated 1 August 2013

Age 77; retired. Male. Diagnosed with emphysema (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Doctor has prescribed an oxygen concentrator (takes oxygen out of the air) to allow me better able to do life's daily chores (walking around, dressing, bathing, shopping etc) with less getting out of breath. Weighs 3 kg and has to be carried or slung from the shoulder. This costs me a capital sum of R35000 and has an anticipated life of 5 years (the concentrator, not me). Is this a disability from the tax point of view? How do I go about claiming?

TaxTim Marc said:
4 August 2013 at 19:09

Yes this will be as it relates to your chronic disease, however since you are over 65 years of age all your medical costs will be allowable as a tax deduction. So you would include this expense in the "out of pocket medical expenses" on your ITR12 tax return. These are medical expenses which you did not recover back from your medical aid.

Medical

Deductions

Retirement