Can I deduct guardianship expenses?

Question

I spent about 2,000 in lawyer and court fees this year to obtain guardianship for a teenager. We did not adopt. Can i deduct that expense on a federal return?

Answer 1

I don't think so....  it's not an adoption so you're not eligible for the child tax credit either.  However, there may be something.  Why don't you use H&R block, so they can help you through it?  If you make less than $50k a year and go through the IRS web site, you can use H&R block's online tax prep program for free.  It asks you all sorts of questions, so if anything fit, you'd probably find it there.

Answer 2

If the teen gets any type of check from social services and you file for your expenses they will make you include the teens income.  At least that is what our tax person told us in Louisiana.  She was going to look into it more for us though.  I think most legal fees are not deductible.  We've had a very bad year ourselves in that regard.  Wish you the best of luck.

Answer 3

Legal fees are never deductable.