For many, the tax return is a tiresome chore. However, knowing a few rules can save not only time, but also money. Taxpayers may be able to deduct a portion of their costs from their taxes for extraordinary expenses.
But which costs actually count as extraordinary expenses and to what extent can they be deducted?? How must the receipts and evidence be kept and what deadlines must be observed?
This article tells you everything you need to know about extraordinary expenses and their deductibility. We will show you which costs are considered extraordinary burdens and which requirements must be met in order to deduct them from taxes.

Extraordinary expenses: Which expenses can be deducted from the tax?
If you had unexpected and extraordinary expenses during the year, you may be able to deduct them from your taxes. However, these extraordinary expenses must meet certain criteria and not be considered ordinary expenses.
These include, among other things, costs for a divorce, for an illness or for keeping a job. A disability or need for care of a family member can also be considered an extraordinary burden.
However, it is important that a reasonable financial burden limit is exceeded. This depends on the income and the number of dependents and is determined anew each year. If the costs are higher than the limit, they can be declared as extraordinary burdens in the tax return.
However, the expenses should be documented accurately and, if necessary, supported by receipts. It is also advisable to find out in advance from a tax advisor or the tax office about the exact criteria and requirements in order to avoid possible errors when filing your tax return.
- Examples of extraordinary burdens:
- Costs for a divorce or an adoption
- Treatment costs for illness or accident
- Costs for artificial insemination
- Expenses to keep your job, such as a job change or retraining
- Costs for a care facility, if a relative is in need of care
Extraordinary expenses deductible from tax – Examples
Extraordinary burdens are unforeseen and unusual expenses that are not covered by health insurance or other insurances. Here are some examples:
- Expenses for artificial insemination
- Costs for a necessary cosmetic operation after an accident
- Expenses for a necessary psychological treatment or psychosomatic therapy
- Costs for a wheelchair or other aids that are necessary to cope with everyday life
In order to be able to deduct extraordinary expenses from tax, you must provide the appropriate evidence. This includes, for example, bills, prescriptions or prescriptions. In addition, the expenses must exceed the reasonable burden resulting from the income and the family constellation.
It is important to carefully document the extraordinary expenses and to keep the corresponding receipts. This is the only way they can be taken into account in the tax return and deducted from the tax.
What requirements must be met to be able to deduct extraordinary expenses from your taxes?
In order to be able to deduct extraordinary expenses from your taxes, certain requirements must be met. First, the expenses must be unusually high and necessarily incurred. This means that the costs must be neither avoidable nor from the usual sphere of life.
Furthermore, the expenses must relate to a subsistence basis, meaning they must be essential for everyday living. Another factor is reasonableness, which states that the costs must be reasonable for the taxpayer to bear. This takes into account the taxpayer’s individual situation, such as income and assets.
- In order for costs to be deductible as extraordinary expenses, they must be documented and proven in detail.
- In addition, they must have been paid or will be paid in the year in which the expenses are incurred.
- It is also not absolutely necessary that the costs are borne by the taxpayer himself/herself. Expenses incurred on behalf of people who are supported can also be claimed.
Extraordinary burdens can arise, for example, due to illness, accident, need for care or divorce. It is worth checking carefully whether the requirements for a tax reduction on the basis of extraordinary burdens are met in order to be able to take advantage of possible savings.
Deducting extraordinary expenses from taxes
If you have extraordinary expenses in a tax year, you may be able to deduct some of them from your taxes. However, there are certain rules you must follow to ensure you qualify for this type of tax deduction.
Extraordinary expenses that may be tax deductible include unforeseen medical expenses, repairs due to damage from natural disasters or theft, and divorce expenses. However, keep in mind that there are certain expenses that are not tax deductible, such as debt or alimony payments.
If you have extraordinary expenses, you must declare them on your tax return. However, there is a certain limit for this type of tax deduction. Depending on your income, you may only be able to deduct a portion of your extraordinary expenses from your taxes, or none at all.

The best way to ensure that you qualify for the tax deduction for extraordinary burdens is to consult a tax expert. A tax expert can help you fill out your tax return correctly and ensure that you benefit from any tax advantages for which you qualify.
Conclusion
The topic "extraordinary expenses deductible from tax" is an important and often neglected point in tax returns. It’s worth taking a closer look and watching for potential drop-off opportunities.
If you have an extraordinary burden, you should collect all receipts and documents and keep them carefully. An accurate account of the costs and the nature of the charge is essential. This is the only way to ensure that all deductible expenses are included in your tax return.
It is also worthwhile to find out from tax advice or the tax office exactly which costs are considered extraordinary burdens and are deductible. Because there are often individual regulations and exceptions that have to be taken into account.
- It is also important to be aware of the limit of the reasonable burden and the percentage that is deductible.
- As a general rule, the higher the costs and the lower the income, the greater the tax savings.
In conclusion, one can say that one should definitely deal with the topic of "extraordinary expenses deductible from tax" in order not to give away money in the tax return. With careful planning and an accurate breakdown of costs, you can noticeably reduce your tax burden.