Share

Can I claim for my own medical expenses?

accreditation

Cape Town - Fin24 has joined forces with the SA Institute of Tax Professionals (SAIT) to help answer users' tax questions as far as possible during tax filing season.

The important deadline dates in the 2015 tax season are:

  • September 30 2015: Manual/postal submissions
  • November 27 2015: At a SARS branch (non-provisional)
  • November 27 2015: eFiling (non-provisional)
  • January 29 2016: Provisional taxpayers via eFiling

A Fin24 user wants to know if she can claim her out-out-pocket medical expenses on her tax return even though she's on her husband's medical aid. She writes:

"If I am a member on my husbands medical aid, but pay all my own out-of-pocket expenses (e.g. chiropractor visits not covered by medical aid) can I claim this on my return? I have all accounts and debit card receipts."

Piet Nel, SA Institute of Tax Professionals responds:

We accept that the question relates to the 2015 or later year of assessment.  Please note that there is no longer a medical deduction (section 18 having been repealed and replaced with the section 6B rebate).  The old principle was the same.

You are correct that the requirement is that the qualifying medical expenses must have been paid by the taxpayer – see section 6B(3)(a)(ii). 

The spouse paying (also a section 6A requirement) the medical scheme contributions will get the section 6A rebate and the spouse paying the qualifying medical expenses (and the reason for doing so is irrelevant) will get the section 6B rebate.  

* Have a question? Send it to us and we will find an expert to answer.

Other users questions for tax filing season 2015:

Can interns claim for travel expenses?

Home care and medical rebates

What to do when tax docs burn

Expat receiving pension from SA: Do I pay tax?

What are the limits on claiming travel expenses?

Can I claim for using my own car for work?

Temp teaching for 6 months, must she pay tax?

Working in Saudi, do I also pay tax in SA?

Can I claim for travel expenses?

Tax filing: No financial records yet, what now?

Filing returns for an education trust

Disclaimer: Fin24 cannot be held liable for any investment decisions made based on the advice given by independent financial service providers. Under the ECT Act and to the fullest extent possible under the applicable law, Fin24 disclaims all responsibility or liability for any damages whatsoever resulting from the use of this site in any manner.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
19.07
-0.9%
Rand - Pound
24.05
-0.6%
Rand - Euro
20.56
-0.4%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.38
-0.2%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.8%
Platinum
894.64
-0.3%
Palladium
992.99
-0.9%
Gold
2,198.42
+0.2%
Silver
24.47
-0.7%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
67,986
+0.5%
All Share
74,202
+0.4%
Resource 10
56,458
+1.4%
Industrial 25
103,645
+0.4%
Financial 15
16,496
-0.2%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders