👶💰 Can I Write Off Baby Expenses in 2025?

Yes, you can! ✅ Provided that the baby in question is your dependent, you can take advantage of a whole host of tax benefits to offset your expenses. And here we’re talking not only about the costs that occur around the time of the birth but also before the birth and continuing into the child’s teen years (and possibly beyond). But I’m getting ahead of myself here—let’s start at the beginning.

🧬 Before Pregnancy

If you’re having trouble getting pregnant, you may be able to deduct the costs of fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), including the costs of temporary storage of eggs and sperm. You can also deduct the cost of surgery to reverse a previous procedure that prevented pregnancy. Other expenses for fertility treatment—such as acupuncture and counseling—are also potentially deductible. Prescription drugs and pregnancy test kits may also be deducted along with lab fees.

🤰 During Pregnancy

Once you’re pregnant, you can add the costs of your ongoing medical care to the list of potential deductions, including inpatient medical care at a hospital or similar institution. 🚗 All travel essential for you to receive medical care before, during, and after pregnancy can also be included, even mileage for driving your own car.

👩‍🍼 After the Baby’s Birth

Your expenses related to the birth of your child may also be included in your deductions. The same applies to breast pumps and other supplies to assist with lactation. 🍼 Post-natal medical expenses for both mother and child are also potential deductions.

All of these deductions fall under medical expenses for the whole family, claimed on Schedule A (Itemized Deductions) of your Form 1040. But two conditions must be met:

1️⃣ You can only deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

2️⃣ Itemizing is only worthwhile if your total expenses (state & local taxes, mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and qualifying medical expenses) exceed the 2025 standard deduction:

• $22,150 for Head of Household (HOH)

• $30,100 for Married Filing Jointly (MFJ)

📊 Example:

Joanna and Chip file jointly for 2025 with an AGI of $100,000. They paid $23,000 in state/local taxes, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions. With their new baby born in October, they also had $30,000 in out-of-pocket medical expenses.

• $23,000 (state & local taxes, mortgage interest, charitable contributions)

• $22,500 (medical expenses greater than 7.5% of $100,000 AGI)

• $45,500 (total for Schedule A)

Because $45,500 is above the $30,100 threshold, they can deduct their baby-related and other medical expenses for 2025.

✨ Pro Tip: Keep accurate and thorough records of all expenses. This is key to maximizing deductions.

🎁 Other Tax Benefits

Even if you don’t itemize, your new baby can still help you qualify for valuable tax credits.

For 2025, the Child Tax Credit provides up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17.

💤 Final Thoughts

Several tax benefits are available for your baby and any other children you may have. Hopefully, this gives you a little comfort during those late-night rocking sessions when you remind yourself that your bundle of joy is also a pretty great “tax deduction.” 😉

👉 Need help? Book a call with Lisa Brugman EA and Associates today.