Medical deduction

By Alicia Human · Updated

Madela

Madela said:
25 April 2016 at 20:05

I paid for the medical fees when my girlfriend gave birth to our son, I'd like to know if a can claim it back form SARS. She doesnt belong to a medical aid
TaxTim Alicia

TaxTim Alicia said:
26 April 2016 at 9:32

Do you belong to a medical aid?
Madela

Madela said:
26 April 2016 at 9:33

Yes, but she doesn't
TaxTim Alicia

TaxTim Alicia said:
26 April 2016 at 9:55

And she's not a dependent on your medical aid?
Madela

Madela said:
26 April 2016 at 9:55

yes, she is not
TaxTim Alicia

TaxTim Alicia said:
26 April 2016 at 10:59

SARS does allow you to claim medical expenditure you incur on behalf of your "dependent". Therefore if she's financially dependent on you, you could claim the expenses in your tax return. However, SARS might query why she is not a dependent on your medical aid and they may therefore disallow this claim if you are audited.

It is a tricky one and SARS can be difficult with medical expenses - however, If she is financially dependent on you (and you can prove this) you may be able to justify the claim to SARS.