Discussions

Does anyone know for sure whether or not you can claim counselling sessions or such things as physiotherapy, massage, etc that you'd pay out-of-pocket for? I tried looking it up on the CRA webpage, but thought I'd better ask.

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/medical/#mdcl_xpns

Thanks, I looked there before posting. I found "therapy" which I suppose would cover counselling services, but didn't see anything in my search for Physio.

about physiotherapy but massage is not deductible in manitoba.

But massage therapist no. Not sure why, even if they are licensed and you have receipts. I even have prescriptions for massage and the accountant always says no.  
 
Prescriptions are a yes, physiotherapy and dental is yes as well. Out of town specialist appointments are claimable IF there is no other one in town. So for instance if you are told to go to a neurologist but do not want to see a Brandon doc, choosing for a Winnipeg one instead, that would not be an allowed deduction because you do not theoretically need to travel. You get to claim mileage and one meal (or two meals if the appt is for a minor child).  
 
Things like "boots" or any prescribed appliances are usually a no as well, unless you pre apply and have a medical condition. Even then, if you have diabetes and the doc prescribes the compression socks they are not allowed.  
 
My accountant always goes over the medical and kids' sports receipts with a microscope, as she warns those two claims are the most scrutinized (and therefore most likely to cause an audit) than an other area.

The link provided above only states WHICH medical expenses you can claim, it does not mean you are eligible. A lot of people automatically assume they can claim any and all expenses. Well, to be honest, you can claim anything to the moon and back, but if you're audited, you will owe it back... With interest!  
 
Having said that... How to know if you're eligible? You either have VERY high medical expenses OR very low income.  
 
Here's the specific criteria:  
Under the first calculated amount in the medical expense tax credit formula, an individual may claim the amount by which the eligible medical expenses in respect of the above listed people exceeds the lesser of the following two amounts:  
 
a fixed amount ($2,152 for 2013) indexed annually in accordance with subsection 117.1(1): and  
3% of the individual’s net income for the year.  
Basically, if it exceeds the above amount or if the amount of expenses exceeds 3% of your annual income.  
 
For further details, follow this link:  
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/tchncl/ncmtx/fls/s1/f1/s1-f1-c1-eng.html  
 

Massage therapy is not a service that can be claimed under medical expenses. One of the main reasons is because massage therapy is currently not a regulated health care profession.  
 
All the more benefit towards massage therapy becoming a health care profession in the provinces eyes.

I had paid over $6,000 in medical expenses ( ankel braces, trips into wpg for appointments, and over $4,500 in meds) as I was on unemployment. I was hoping for a nice reutun for it but was advised that I was only allowed to claim under $2000. That was a major blow as I was planning to pay down cards that I used to to pay for my meds. I would of had a private medical insurance but I was unable afford the cost and the max prescription that they would allow was $400. Would anyone know which the department of the government to call? I have tried emails and calling but no one could answers any of my questions ythey keep redirect my call again and again. I have pharmacare but it only cover like 25% of my still. On disability and same thigs happen, not all meds are covered my bills went down to $350 a month from $550. So my wallet is pretty much too empty for food. After all of this I was wondering if anyone can give me a hand to see if I can retrieve the rest? Anyone thanks for your time

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/lns300-350/330-331/ampp-eng.html  

Thank you, that link is exactly what I was looking for.

Waitn' for the weekend said "I had paid over $6,000 in medical expenses ( ankel braces, trips into wpg for appointments, and over $4,500 in meds) as I was on unemployment. I was hoping for a nice reutun for it but was advised that I was only allowed to claim under $2000. That was a major blow as I was planning to pay down cards that I used to to pay for my meds. I would of had a private medical insurance but I was unable afford the cost and the max prescription that they would allow was $400. Would anyone know which the department of the government to call? I have tried emails and calling but no one could answers any of my questions ythey keep redirect my call again and again. I have pharmacare but it only cover like 25% of my still. On disability and same thigs happen, not all meds are covered my bills went down to $350 a month from $550. So my wallet is pretty much too empty for food. After all of this I was wondering if anyone can give me a hand to see if I can retrieve the rest? Anyone thanks for your time "

if the medical expenses were claimable medical expenses the only reason that i can think of why you would not be able to claim all $6000 is that you did not pay enough taxes to use more of your credit. most items you claim are tax deductions, therefore you have to pay tax in order to use the deduction to reduce your tax bill which generates a refund  
 
not sure who advised you but something seems off, i would just call CRA and ask, i find them very helpful when i have had tax related questions